Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, Bowl for Kids’ Sake – On the BIG Screen will take place on March 1st and 2nd, 2024, at Parkway Lanes in Fond du Lac.
“Our theme this year is ‘On the BIG Screen.’ With the Oscars happening the week after our fundraiser, we wanted to celebrate the unforgettable movies and characters that have entertained us throughout the years,” says BBBS Executive Coordinator Amy Docter. “Expect some fun and creative costumes and a BIG screen atmosphere!”
Hundreds of people from all over the Fond du Lac County area come together to bowl and raise money in support of local youth. Each bowler fundraises at least $75 to participate, or $50 for bowlers ages 17 and under. This fundraiser is a fun and easy way for companies and individuals alike to make a positive impact through bowling, costume contests, prizes, and a little bit of friendly competition.
“Bowl for Kids’ Sake has been a fundraiser for BBBS as long as I can remember,” says BBBS Executive Director Tammy Young. “Not only do we do it locally here in Fond du Lac County, but it’s a main fundraiser throughout the BBBS network.”
BBBS holds a bowling shift just for matches during the event. Bigs are asked to raise at least $50 to participate, and Littles bowl free. This special bowling shift includes face painting, a Verve color pin contest, and other fun prizes.
Fundraising events like Bowl for Kids’ Sake help BBBS find, train, and match volunteers with children who need mentors in our community. Over $100,000 was raised at last year’s event through sponsorships, peer-to-peer fundraising, and food and drink donations from Parkway Lanes.
“Our program provides a safe environment for our youth to experience personal growth, skill-building, and healthy peer support through mentorship and coaching,” says Young. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake is our biggest fundraiser. We raise 15% of our annual budget in two days. I love that the Fond du Lac community shows up in a BIG way every year. We can’t do it without everyone’s support.”
Visit bbbsfdl.org to register as an individual or join a team, select your preferred bowling shift, and start fundraising. Each registration includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, and a free event t-shirt if registered by February 15th.
BBBS is a United Way Agency that assists children with social, emotional, and character development through one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults. The agency matches children with a Big Brother, Sister, Couple, or Family in a community or school-based program. Children ages 6 through 13 can enroll in the program through parent or guardian referral, and volunteers ages 16 and up can be mentors. For more information about the program or to volunteer, call (920) 922-8200 or visit www.bbbsfdl.org.
