AUBURN – The Child Health Center’s Big Brothers Big Sister program announces the top five individual fund-raisers for the 2003 Androscoggin Bowl for Kids’ Sake as follows: Dede Medlen, Alison Jacobs, Jamie Allie, Mike Cole and John Cyr.

Each was offered a choice of prizes donated by local sponsors, including two art works by Irene Duplissis and Irene Rothe, 50 gallons of oil from Down East Energy, tickets to Nascar Winston Cup race in Louden, N.H., and an L.L. Bean rolling duffle.

The businesses that raised the most in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters were the Sun Journal, more than $2,037, and the town of Lisbon, $1,805.

Bowl For Kids’ Sake is an annual event to raise funds in support of matches formed under the Child Health Center’s site-based and community-based Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.

In 2003, through these two programs, the center has established close to 1,400 matches in Androscoggin, Oxford, southern Franklin and northern Cumberland counties.

The matches in the community-based mentoring program are “Bigs,” adults from the community, who are matched with “Littles,” children in the community, through a process which considers the needs of a child as well as the interests of an adult. Bigs meet with Littles twice a month, sharing activities and enjoying each other’s company.

The site-based mentoring program offers the opportunity for children in local schools, mentees, to be matched with mentors from local high schools, colleges, businesses and other local organizations.

Mentors and mentees meet once a week for an hour in the child’s school and work on classroom material as well as play games and talk. Many children benefit from the support of a positive role model as evidenced in improved grades, social skills, self-esteem and confidence.

Anyone wishing information about Big Brothers Big Sisters should call 782-5437 or visit the center’s website at www.childhealthcenter.org.

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