Local businesses, organizations and individuals can now sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2018. Local bowling events in Kennebec Valley will be held May 2 through 10 in Augusta, Hallowell and Skowhegan. Teams raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine mentoring programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties and then celebrate their success at the bowling party, Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Special events manager Mae Slevinsky 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. Last year’s Kennebec Valley bowling event raised over $82,000 for local community and school-based programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties, according to a news release from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.

Big Sister Brittany Kimball, right, and her Little Sister Faith Wentzell support the agency that brought them together by bowling at last year's Bowl for Kids' Sake in Hallowell. Money raised at the event helps fund one-to-one mentoring programs that support 250 youth in Kennebec Valley. Contributed photo

New Balance employees, from left, Matt LeBlanc, Alisha Whittemore and Ashley Dodge supported their bowling team and local youth at last year's Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Bowl for Kids' Sake event in Skowhegan. This year's event is May 2-10 in Skowhegan, Augusta and Hallowell. Contributed photo

Eran Dowd, right, from the Hannaford Waterville JFK store team and her daughter Aida Tooker, take the blindfold bowling challenge at last year's Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Bowl for Kids' Sake. Hannaford Supermarkets, Camden National Bank and United Insurance are presenting sponsors of the agency's largest fundraiser held in four regions. Contributed photo

According to Slevinsky, 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 high school students and their Littles in our school-based programs, and supports strong and enduring relationships between community Bigs and their Littles.” Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine served 739 youth. Slevinsky said the agency goal is to raise $102,500 to help change the lives of over 250 local Kennebec Valley kids through successful one-to-one mentoring programs, according to the release.

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 also can 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. This year’s theme is Mix To Match. Bowlers are invited to come to the event un-perfectly dressed in mixed-up attire and earn a prize for the zaniest combinations of clothing to help support a match between a Big and a Little. There will be hourly bowling prizes awarded and a special recognition for high fundraisers.

The event is presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, Camden National Bank and United Insurance.

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

For more information, contact Slevinsky at 592-4616 or mae@bbbsmidmaine.org.

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