Bowl of Kids’ Sake’s first day draws nearly 200 to annual fundraiser

Posted March 04, 2012 8:54 pm

Submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County said the first day of Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Feb. 24 was a huge success.

Almost 200 bowlers gathered to spare a “Little” time to support one-on-one mentoring in McHenry County. A Big Sister, many Kohl’s locations and Prairie Community Bank employees began the morning with a Bowling Brunch.

Board members, families, employees from Althoff Industries and Mastermolded and Matches filled the afternoon sessions. Collectively, between pledges, 50/50 raffles and donations, more than $15,000 was raised in one day.

Funds raised allow Big Brothers Big Sisters to make more mentoring matches and provide ongoing assistance for mentors, mentees and families to help sustain successful relationships.

Each match costs the agency between $750 and $1,000 annually, so this event will support about 20 percent of the almost 600 matches in McHenry County. Additionally, funds allow for more outreach for recruitment for “Bigs” and “Littles.”

More bowling will take place in March. Many dates and time slots are available to accommodate various schedules. Bowl for Kids’ Sake times for community/open bowling will be: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 1; 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 3; 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5; and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 7.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2013 will be held at Crystal Bowl, 4504 E. Terra Cotta Ave. in Crystal Lake. Owners Cheryl and Jack Meyer have been longtime supporters of the community and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

To join Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2013, register now at www.bbbsmchenry.org/bowl or call (815) 385-3855, where you can request more information, sign up to participate or make a donation.

By pledging to raise a minimum of $75, you can fund a new mentoring opportunity for one child in your community, starting the child on a path to a brighter future.

All bowlers receive two hours of bowling, bowling shoes, pizza, beverages, a T-shirt and eligibility for prizes. Bowlers who raise $150 will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt. People who raise $1,000 or more will become a member of the $K and receive a personalized Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling shirt and an invitation to a VIP reception.

For details, visit BigBrothersBigSisters.org.