BBBS registering teams for “Bowl for Kids’ Sake”

“Big Sister” Brittany Kimball and her Little Sister Faith Wentzell support the agency that brought them together by bowling at last year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake in Hallowell. Money raised at the event helps fund one-to-one mentoring programs that support 250 youth in Kennebec Valley. (Contributed photo)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2018, presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, Camden National Bank and United Insurance. Local bowling events in Kennebec Valley will be held May 2 – 10 in Augusta, Hallowell and Skowhegan. Teams raise funds for mentoring programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties and then come out to celebrate their success at the state’s largest bowling party – Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Special Events Manager Mae Slevinsky said Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s largest fundraising event, funding more than half of the agency’s operating budget that serves seven counties throughout mid- coast, eastern and central Maine. Last year’s Kennebec Valley bowling event raised over $82,000 for local community and school-based programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

According to Slevinsky, every Big and Little match the agency creates and professionally supports costs about $1,000 annually.

Businesses and individuals can register a team online at bbbsmidmaine.org, select a desired bowling date and time and create team and personal fundraising pages where supporters can make safe, electronic donations.

Bowlers can also download pledge forms to collect donations to bring to the event. Teams that raise $500 or more will receive 2018 Bowl for Kids’ Sake t-shirts at the event. Individuals who raise $100 or more are entered into a grand prize drawing. This year’s theme is Mix To Match. Bowlers are invited to come to the event un-perfectly dressed in mixed-up attire and earn a prize for the zaniest combinations of clothing to help support a match between a Big and a Little. There will be hourly bowling prizes awarded and a special recognition for high fundraisers.