Proceeds from Bowl for Kids' Sake go directly to local mentoring programs.

Bowl for Kids' Sake always a strike

By: Lee Morey

Posted: 9/17/07

The Seventh Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser will be Saturday Sept. 22 at Digger's College City Bowl. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. bowlers will hit the lanes to raise money for three local BBBS mentoring programs. Participants will enjoy free pizza and door prizes and will be entertained by MCs throughout the day.

Five-person teams are currently forming to compete. Teams collect pledge money, which is set and not scaled to scoring, from friends and neighbors. They then bring the contributions to Digger's and prepare to bowl. Last year the organization met its goal of $30,000, and to keep a competitive spirit, it has raised the bar to $35,000. This year the donation process should run slightly smoother.

"One concern that was brought up last year was that there were some problems involved with collecting pledges. That's why we have recently enabled online registration; this makes the whole process much more convenient," said Tim Hallinan, Director of Development for the local BBBS.

Online donations can be made at www.firstgiving.com/qcbbbs.

There are many incentives to bowl this year. Prizes are awarded for all levels of participation, but bowlers raising $250 or more will receive an iPod Shuffle. At the $500 mark, bowlers receive a Fun City Prize Package, and for the energetic fundraisers who collect more than $1,000 in pledges, there is a one-night stay for two at the Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Ill.

"This is a great opportunity for student groups, fraternities and student-athletes to compete and raise money for a good cause," Hallinan said. "One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly into our three McDonough County mentoring programs."

The goal of the mentoring programs is to match up children ages 6 to 15 from needing families with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The Big Brother or Sister acts to provide a positive role model for the young child. The Big Brother or Sister may do things like help with homework or take the child on trips to local attractions - anything that provides a fun, safe and productive activity during the after-school hours.

In a testimonial, Big Sister Jamie Sue Draughan, junior social work major, said, "I joined the BBBS program earlier this year with the impression that I would become a positive influence in a child's life. Little did I know that the child I was paired with would become a positive influence in my life as well. I feel the greatest reward in knowing that the child I mentor trusts me and considers me a friend that she can confide in, as a lot of kids, especially those in bleak situations, question the sincerity of adult trust."

The organization said it hopes for at least 100 teams this year to reach its goal of $35,000. Over the past seven years, Western Illinois University has contributed at least 75 percent of participants.

"We love to see participation from WIU students and staff. They bring a certain energy and spirit of giving back to the community that keeps this event successful for our kids," Hallinan added.

To form a team or help contribute in any way to the Bowl for Kids' Sake, please contact the Macomb Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters at 309/837-KIDS. To schedule bowling times for a team, please contact the Office of Student Activities at 309/298-3232.