Bowling events to support Big Brothers Big Sisters

Submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County is inviting the community to support Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s largest annual fundraiser.

The event raises more than $20 million nationally. The goal for this year’s local Bowl for Kids’ Sake is $75,000.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be at the Brunswick Zone on Route 62 in Algonquin.

Community Day events will take place Sunday March 4 with time slots of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 4.

Additionally, there are Teacher Day events from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 and 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 2.

Funds raised allow Big Brothers Big Sisters to carefully make more mentoring matches and provide ongoing assistance for mentors, kid and families to help sustain long successful relationships unique to its programs.

Each match costs the agency approximately $1,000 annually, so this event will support several of the almost 600 matches in McHenry County.

Additionally, funds allow for more outreach for recruitment for “Bigs” and “Littles,” as currently, there are 38 unfilled matches in the area.

The donor-funded organization challenges everyone — mentors and kids, their friends and families, partners, community leaders, as well as others who may not have time to mentor but support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission — to join Bowl for Kids’ Sake and change the life of a child forever.

It is a fun, interactive way to make a difference, and with several Big/Little pairs participating, one can see their dollars in action.

“Bowl for Kids’ Sake brings the whole community together in support of a positive future for our kids,” said Robyn Ostrem, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. “No matter how someone chooses to be involved — bowler, team captain, sponsor, or even a virtual bowler — each person has a hand in helping to start a child on the right path. Every dollar raised through Bowl for Kids’ Sake directly funds our mentoring programs in McHenry County and helps to maintain and sustain our mentoring relationships, increasing our children’s chances for success.”

To join Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2012, take the first step and get started making an impact in your community, visit www.bbbsmchenry.org/bfks 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 him/her on a path to a brighter future.

All bowlers receive two hours of bowling, bowling shoes for the two hours, pizza, beverages and eligibility for prizes and giveaways.

Thanks to underwriting, all of the “Littles” in the program can bowl for free.