Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2018 saw 165 bowlers and raised more than $16,000 for supporting recruitment of mentors for McKean County youth.
The event is the Guidance Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program’s largest annual fundraiser.
With individual bowler donations and business sponsorships, Bowl For Kids’ Sake raised a total gross amount of $16,518. Domino’s of Bradford and Costa’s Supermarket of Smethport were the event’s major food sponsors. Individual bowlers brought in $9,584 while business sponsors donated an additional $6,934. Kids and Cancer once again sponsored a lane for Littles waiting for a mentor to attend the event.
Each individual bowler was encouraged to raise a minimum of $50. Staff and children involved with the McKean County Department of Human Services Independent Living program raised over $900 of the total amount raised by bowlers. The individual bowlers that raised the most money were 1st place, Big Sister Betsy Wile, 2nd place, Lynette Beatty of the Nittany Minit Mart team, and 3rd place, Tracy Gilmore. Those bowlers raising the most money received prize packages.
Long-term studies show that children who have another caring adult in their life, such as a mentor, are much less likely to get involved in problem behaviors while also improving school attendance and academic performance, and supporting better relationships with family members and peers.
There are currently twenty-four children who are waiting to be matched with a Big. Anyone interested in learning how to volunteer with or donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of McKean County can call toll-free at 1.877.776.1636 or locally at 814-887-5591, or visit the website at www.bbbs-jem.org.
