Put on those funky shoes and let the good times roll: Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Oct. 31

Published 6:07 pm Monday, October 26, 2015

Last year sponsors and bowlers raised nearly $13,000 to support “Littles” and their “Bigs.” Each bowler raises a minimum of $50 ($35 for students) in pledges and receives two games, shoe rental, pizza and soft drinks, a commemorative t-shirt, and the chance to win great door prizes, all while joining in the excitement at the lanes to help sustain Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs for children.

“It’s a great way for three to five friends or co-workers, or parents and children, to have fun together while supporting a great cause,” says Karen Dacey, BBBS Program Coordinator. “All of the costs of the event are met through the generosity of local sponsors. That means that each dollar raised by bowlers goes to recruit, train, screen and match caring adults with young people in need, and to help those relationships last long and be strong. Most of the children served are from single parent families who are living in challenging situations. These match relationships transform young people which can positively impact the communities in which they live.”

Presenting sponsor for the event is Terry Ackerman, financial advisor, joined by Strike sponsors CooperRiis and Roger and Jennifer Smith. Pin sponsors are Rob Fuller, Lichty Guitars, Morning Glory Farm, and A. Bailey Nager, attorney at law. Digit and Beth Laughridge are serving as a team sponsor along with Mary and Morris.

Musselwhite Electric Inc. heads the list of lane sponsors that so far also includes: Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital, Diamond B Energies, Andy and Linda Haynes, HomeTrust Bank, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Sandra McCormack MD, Mike and Paula Mullenax, North State Gas Service, PANGAEA Internet, Paws Prayers and Promises, Jim Peterman, Po Kitties, Prince Gas Company, Stearns Education Center, and Walker Wallace & Emerson Realty.

Team and lane sponsorships are still available for those wishing to align their marketing with Big Brothers Big Sisters and enhance mentoring services for area youth.

Teams can sign up through Oct. 29 to participate from 12-2 p.m. on Halloween day. Any bowlers in costume will be eligible to win special prizes! Awards will also be presented to bowlers who generate the most pledges for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

In recent years, Becky Kennedy of the Bowled and the Beautiful team of Polk County Democrats has set the bar high for raising the most for BBBS, increasing their team total to more than $3,000 last year. Whether contributing $2 or $200, the dedicated donors for Kennedy’s team make a big difference for the organization!

Area businesses, churches, clubs, organizations, schools, or friends and family are encouraged to form teams and join the fun in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. No experience required, just a positive attitude! It only takes a little bit of effort to raise the money that is vital for BBBS to succeed, and obviously the more people involved the better the outcome. Who wouldn’t feel good knowing they were helping our community’s kids facing adversity have a better chance to reach their potential?

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 828-859-9230 or polk@bbbswnc.org.

– Submitted by Karen Dacey