Bowl for Kids’ Sake raises $12K for Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Published 9:13 am Thursday, May 8, 2014
Submitted photo
Aaron Getz, an employee of AEP, and his family participated in Saturday’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. Around $12,000 was raised in support of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass.
Approximately $12,000 was raised during the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass’ annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser Saturday at Joey Armadillo’s Bowling Center in Niles.
Christina Frank, executive director, said the total is down from past years.
“We didn’t meet our goal so donations are needed for ongoing support,” she said. “But we greatly appreciate all those that came out. We feel very fortunate to receive so much support from our community.”
The non-profit organization pairs children with screened volunteer mentors in Berrien and Cass County.
It takes about $1,000 to make and support a match for one year. “$12,000 sounds like a lot of money, but that will only support 12 kids for an entire year,” Frank said.
Last year, the non-profit organization served 170 children in Berrien and Cass counties.
“This year our goal is to serve 200, so we have big goals because there are a lot of children that would benefit from this program,” she said.
The money raised at the event will go toward the professional support of each match, minimal operating expenses, training for volunteers and activities and events for volunteers and their “littles.”
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass is a United Way partner agency that does not receive any state or federal monies.
“The money that makes up our budget is very much donations,” she said.
People interested in donating can visit the organization’s website at bbbsofbc.org.
Bowl for Kids Sake is one of two fundraisers put on by the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass each year. The organization will offer an auction event Saturday, Oct. 25, at Lost Dunes in Bridgman to raise additional funds.
Frank said there was great attendance at Bowl for Kids Sake from several businesses, including United Federal Credit Union, Chemical Bank, Honor Bank and AEP.
“We’ve already begun planning on how to do things differently and make it bigger and better for next year,” she said.
The organization is always looking for volunteers who would like to be matched with a child.
