MAINE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2019.

Local bowling events will be held April 4 - 11 in Northport and Belfast, and April 25 - 27 in Waldoboro and Rockport. Teams raise funds for youth mentoring programs in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties and then come out to celebrate their success at Bowl for Kids’ Sake.  

Special Events Manager Shawn Doll said, in a news release, 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 Midcoast, eastern and central Maine.

Last year’s Midcoast bowling event raised more than $80,000 for local community-based and school-based mentoring programs in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.  

This year’s goal is to raise $85,000 for local youth, according to BBBSMM .

According to Doll, every Big and Little match the agency creates and professionally supports costs about $1,400 annually.

“Funds raised at Bowl for Kids’ Sake play a significant role in supporting matches between high school students and their Littles in our school-based program and fosters strong and enduring relationships between community Bigs and their Littles,” he said in the release.

Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine served 739 youth in its seven-county service area. The local bowling events will help change the lives of more than 250 children in the MIdcoast region.

According to BBBSMM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson, the agency’s focus this year is recruiting more volunteers to serve as mentors and encourages anyone who has ever considered becoming a Big to contact Big Brothers Big Sisters or come to a Bowl for Kids’ Sake event to learn more. 

“Proceeds from Bowl for Kids’ Sake events make it possible for our agency to provide mentoring services free of charge to children and families who need it most,” Hudson said. “Whether you bowl, volunteer or support an event, you will be helping a child reach his or her greatest possible potential by connecting them with a Big Brother or Big Sister.”

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 2019 Bowl for Kids’ Sake T-shirts at the event and all bowlers will participate in hourly prizes.   

Local businesses can support Bowl for Kids’ Sake by becoming sponsors, donating prizes and registering teams to participate. Event volunteers are also welcome.

Lane times are filling up fast, so register soon, the release said.

FMI or for help registering your team, call Shawn Doll at 207-236-2227 x102 or email shawn@bbbsmidmaine.org.

For information about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit bbbsmidmaine.org.

Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2019 is presented by Hannaford Supermarkets and Camden National Bank.