Bowl For Kids' Sake With Big Brothers, Big Sisters

For more than 27 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has gathered support for the agency through its signature fund-raiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS). Bowl for Kids Sake has raised more than $5 million in the course of its 27-year history, making it the largest and most successful bowling fundraiser in the state of Missouri. All (100 percent) of the funds raised remain in the Eastern Missouri region and are used to help Big Brothers Big Sisters surround children with trusting and enduring relationships.

Big Brothers Big Sisters always has valued those who support the agency through their generous donations. BBBS supports a relationship model known as 4:1+1. This model engages the four most significant adults in a Little’s life — parent, teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister and the agency’s professional program staff. The “+1” is the donor, the one that makes it possible for a relationship to be created and sustained. With Bowl for Kids Sake, bowlers get to join Big Brothers Big Sisters as part of that highly valued “+1.”

Many donors find that raising the funds is easy. “I usually send an email out to my friends, the same cast of characters,” said Jeff Tank, former Big Brother and yearly bowler. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is such a well-known organization so I don’t have to put a lot into explaining the mission. And I use the on-line fundraising system, so it’s really easy. The bottom line is it is a fun event for a great cause.”

To participate, there is a minimum fundraising requirement:  $85 for adult bowlers, $70 for students in kindergarten through high school and $100 combined for Bigs and Littles.  

On the day of the event, all that’s left to do is show up and bowl. Participants bowl for free, as the agency’s way of saying “thank you” to all the bowlers for their fundraising efforts. And through the generosity of BBBS’ corporate sponsors, it’s not just the bowling that’s on the house — participants also receive free pizza, drinks, door prizes, lane rentals, bowling shoes and a cool event t-shirt.

“We all have such a good time!” said Faye Johnston, a long=time BFKS fundraiser and Citi employee. Citi is a great example of a company getting their employees involved; it's a great team-building event. “Citi teams always choose a theme each year for our bowling group to dress up to. It’s a hoot! The event has become a real passion of mine.”

If you want to join the fun and make a positive impact on your community at the same time, now is the time to gather your friends and co-workers and join the bowling fun. Register for Winter Bowl for Kids' Sake.

• Friday, Dec. 2, 2011
• 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Brunswick Zone:  176 Four Seasons Shopping Center, Chesterfield, 63017

Register your six-person team and begin fundraising today! Beginning Nov. 1,  you can sign up online by clicking here.

Editor's Note: Patch partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters as part of their Be There Now campaign. The organization hopes to recruit 600 volunteers in six months.