Bowl For Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser. Each year half a million people across America come together to have fun and raise money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters as they change how children grow up.

Bowl For Kids’ Sake is the perfect way for area citizens to make an impact on our community – it only takes a little bit of effort to raise the money that is vital to the BBBS program’s success.

In appreciation of the support and enthusiasm, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host a celebratory party at Autumn Lanes in Forest City on Oct. 26. All bowlers are eligible for fabulous door prizes donated by area businesses.

No bowling expertise is required, only the willingness to share in the heartfelt and sincere appreciation for helping BBBS transform the community.

Businesses, clubs and individuals generously provide sponsorships so that all funds raised by team members go to support local youth mentoring programs.

Students bowl at special rates, so area schools and school clubs should consider starting a Bowl for Kids’ Sake competition.

Those who cannot bowl may consider becoming a “virtual” bowler. It’s easy to do secure online fundraising without participating at the event – just visit www.bbbswnc.org/branch-offices/polk/ or email BBBS for the link.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs help to raise community awareness of the challenges faced by local children, especially during these trying times, and to ask for the financial support needed to help change a child’s life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters depends on donations to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety and to provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build long-lasting relationships.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is about having fun to help kids continue on a positive path. Those interested in participating can follow these steps:

Step 1: Recruit two to four people to join a team of three-five. It could be friends, family or co-workers. Choose people who will help the team with fundraising.

Step 2: Register the team by contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters at 828-859-9230 or polk@bbbswnc.org for info.

Step 3: Set a team fundraising goal – aim high. Some bowlers pay the minimum to participate, which is fine, but the top team raises $2,500 or more in pledges. There are awards for those who raise the most funds. Online fundraising makes it simple to get pledges from family and friends.

Step 4: Motivate the team to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters by sharing information about the impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters on the community. Communicate their success with teammates (“Joel has already exceeded his goal of $200! Our team just surpassed $1,000 mark!”)

Step 5: Have fun! Join Big Brothers Big Sisters at Autumn Lanes bowling center to celebrate team success. Remember, it’s not about being a good a bowler, it’s celebrating the impact the money the team collected will have on the community.

Volunteers are needed the day of the event. It’s easy to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, either as a donor or volunteer.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey