Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass (BBBS) is looking for businesses, organizations and individuals to participate in its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at Joey Armadillo’s in Niles and from 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Kelley’s Bowl in St. Joseph.

Local businesses can support the event by becoming event sponsors, donating prizes for the top fundraisers, and encouraging employees to participate as team captains and team members. Bowlers then raise money by soliciting pledges from people they know. The day of the event, bowlers turn in money raised and are entered in raffle drawings to win prizes; get free pizza and refreshments; two hours of bowling, and every bowler gets a t-shirt as well.

Costumes, clever team names, and friendly competition are also encouraged. Some of the more creative teams from last year included “The Argonauts” from Cass County; “Michiana Trash Bowlers” from Michiana Recycling and Disposal; and “The Fab Four” from Chemical Bank. Major business supporters from last year were AEP Indiana Michigan Power; McLoughlin Family Foundation; Chemical Bank; Cressy & Everett Niles Office; United Federal Credit Union; and Lyons Industries.

“This is a wonderful event that offers everyone in our community a chance to positively impact a child’s life,” said BBBS of BC Executive Director Chris Frank. “We know that not everyone may be able to serve as a mentor for a child, but by participating in this event as a bowler, team captain or sponsor, anyone can support the BBBS vision – that all children achieve success in life. Every dollar raised through Bowl for Kids’ Sake directly funds our mentoring programs in Berrien and Cass Counties and helps to maintain and sustain our one-to-one mentoring relationships that change children’s lives, for the better, forever.”

To take part in this year’s event, call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass 269 (684-1100) to receive the necessary forms to form a team and start collecting pledges. Businesses wishing to sponsor the event and volunteers who would like to help out on the bowling dates are also encouraged to call for more information.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.

Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches in building safe, enduring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization celebrating over 49 years of service in Berrien and Cass counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how you can positively impact a child’s life, donate or volunteer at www.bbbsofbc.org or call (269) 684-1100, toll free (877) 367-2244.