Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2018. Local bowling events will be held Monday, April 30, in Wilton; Wednesday, May 2, in Oxford; and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, May 9, 11 and 12 in Lewiston.

Teams raise funds for mentoring programs in Androscoggin County, then celebrate their success at the state’s largest bowling party — Bowl For Kids’ Sake.

Androscoggin Manager Jennifer Cartmell said 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 mid-coast, eastern and central Maine. The Androscoggin bowling event raises funds for local school-based programs at Washburn Elementary in Auburn and Longley Elementary in Lewiston.

According to Cartmell, every Big and Little match the agency creates and professionally supports costs about $1,000 annually. “Funds raised at Bowl for Kids’ Sake play a significant role in supporting matches between college and high school students and their Littles in our school-based programs, and supports strong and enduring relationships between these Bigs and their Littles,” Cartmell said. Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine served 739 youth.

BBBSMM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson said Bowl For Kids’ Sake is especially vital to the agency’s work to help more kids succeed in Androscoggin County. “When local businesses continue to support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, they are making a long-term commitment to children in their community; to help change more lives for the better,” Hudson said.

Businesses and individuals can register bowling teams online at bbbsmidmaine.org, select a desired bowling date and time and create a team consisting of four or five bowlers. The BFKS personal fundraising pages allow supporters to 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 2018 Bowl For Kids’ Sake T-shirts at the event. Individuals who raise $100 or more are entered into a grand prize drawing. Register by Sunday, April 1 to be entered into a team lunch drawing.

This year’s event theme is Mix To Match: Come imperfectly dressed in mixed-up attire. Polka dots with stripes, suit coat and tie with rainbow leggings, it all works at the BFKS event. Earn a prize for the zaniest combination of clothing to help support a match between a Big and a Little. Prizes awarded for most creative mix-matching. There will be hourly bowling prizes awarded and a special recognition event for high fundraisers.

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

For more information or for help registering a team, call Cartmell at 207-653-3857 or email jennifer@bbbsmidmaine.org.

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