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POLK COUNTY—Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is gearing up for its annual fundraiser, Bowling For Kid’s Sake 2024. The event is set to take place Saturday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tarheel Lanes in Hendersonville. 

This event is the largest of the year for BBBS, which serves 18 counties and more than 350 underserved children and young adults. Polk County is expected to have 4-6 teams representing local churches, businesses and private donors at the event. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite jersey, hat or other sports-related accessories. 

Key sponsors include Steeplechase International, Stott’s Ford, The Gorge in Saluda, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, St Luke’s Hospital, the Tryon Bottle and the Congregational Church in Tryon. Individual donors Steve and Marie King, Bob and Donna Toney and several anonymous contributors have also generously contributed. 

Food sponsors for the event include Wolverine Pizza, The Brick and Bucks Pizza, with Sidestreet Pizza providing support for the end-of-year celebration. All of these companies and individuals help support over 40 children on a continuous basis through BBBS. 

The organization’s successful high school “bigs” program provides 12-15 senior-level high school students to mentor grade school students facing various challenges in their schooling. The program involves one-on-one meetings with students at their schools each week. 

Additionally, BBBS works with approximately 25-30 community-based children on a continuous basis, often for years. BBBS accepts children from ages 6-16 in its hands-on community programs. 

Those interested in learning more about the Bowling Funfest and future events can contact program coordinator Jessica Toney at 828-429-7626 or jessicat@bbbswnc.org, or Council Chairman Bill Smith at 864-608-9807 or wdsclemson68@gmail.com.

BBBS of Polk County is now in its 24th year, thanks to the support of many individuals and organizations, including the Polk County Community Foundation, Karen Dacey and Rob Fuller.