Big Brothers Big Sisters is gearing up for their annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser this month, presented by Parsec Financial. Teams are needed for the event that will take place at Autumn Lanes Bowling Center in Forest City on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 12-2 p.m.

Sponsorships are still available at the team and lane level, and area businesses are encouraged to join this notable group of supporters. Along with the presenting sponsor, others include the Congregational Church of Tryon and CooperRiis as strike sponsors; Terry Ackerman, Financial Advisor, Diamond B Energies, Fairfield Mountains Chapel, Rob Fuller LCSW, Lichty Guitars, Morning Glory Farm, A. Bailey Nager Attorney at Law, and Roger and Jennifer Smith as pin sponsors; and Jim Peterman as a team sponsor.

Lane sponsors so far include the Kocher family’s Blockhouse Sporthorses, the Hare & Hound, Linda and Andy Haynes, Henson Building Materials, HomeTrust Bank, Steve and Marie King, Sandra McCormack, Musselwhite Electric, Nature’s Storehouse, North State Gas Service, PANGAEA Internet, and L. Blake Smyth, CPA.

BBBS hosts this event as a way of celebrating support from local businesses, civic groups, churches, individuals and volunteers. Team members solicit pledges from their friends, family and contacts in the community to reach the minimum pledge amount. With generous sponsors covering the costs of the event, all of the funds raised by participating team members go directly to support the youth mentoring programs in area schools and communities. More than 20 percent of the organization’s annual budget is generated through Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-funded, volunteer-supported organization. Funds produced through bowling help local efforts to get children facing adversity on the right path. BBBS matches children ages 6-14, the “Littles,” mostly from single-parent families, with screened and trained adult mentors, the “Bigs.”

Bowl for Kid’s Sake is not actually about bowling! It’s about helping these children achieve success in life. Giving kids the opportunity they deserve not only enhances the children’s lives and offers a brighter future, but also benefits families, schools and communities.

Through the success of the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake and other fundraisers, children are able to connect with those who impact them positively in long-lasting relationships, help them reach their potential and have a brighter future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members are happy to share information about the achievements of the volunteer Bigs, who influenced the following outcomes with their Littles last year, as gauged through annual surveys with school staff: 94 percent saw improvement in academic performance; 97 percent of Littles improved in completion of homework, problem solving skills, school attendance and relationship with peers; 100 percent improved in self-confidence, relationship with adults, and motivation to learn. In addition, children in the BBBS program are more likely to avoid risky behaviors.

Organizer of the event, Karen Dacey of Big Brothers Big Sisters, says, “Come roll with us!” Teams of three to five members are encouraged to gather from churches, clubs, organizations, schools, or friends and family, to join the celebration and bowl on Oct. 29. 

In return for the minimum donation, each team member will join the party and may bowl two games, get a T-shirt, pizza, and register for the chance to win great door prizes that are donated by area businesses and generous donors.

For more information about BBBS or Bowl for Kids’ Sake, please call 828-859-9230 or 828-899-9699.  For those who cannot attend the event, there is still the opportunity to pledge support with a secure online donation by visiting the Polk branch page on the regional website at bbbswnc.org.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey