Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Cochrane and Area is hoping people will spare some time – and some cash – for a good cause later this month at its annual charity bowling event.
The fourth annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event on March 19 brings together teams of four to six players for an afternoon of fun at Cochrane Lanes. Bowlers play as many games as they want within a two-hour period, with each member expected to raise $125 a piece ahead of the day.
Last year, the function raised $15,000 – every dollar of which was directed right back into local programs.
“The event has gotten bigger and better every year,” said Big Brothers and Big Sisters spokesman David Case. “This year, we’re looking to equal and out-do last year’s event.”
In 2016, the youth service organization made 78 matches of “littles” and “bigs” – the group’s nicknames for mentors and mentees – in town through its core program, as well as through schools and as part of the teen mentoring program.
“That tells me that in Cochrane, we have some really community-minded kids that are looking to give back,” Case said of the impressive number of youth connections with elementary kids.
So far this year, 11 more children remain on a waiting list to be paired with a big brother or sister.
At the upcoming gathering, Case said a DJ will spin tunes at the lanes for an “upbeat, lively atmosphere,” food and drinks will be served and door prizes from Cochrane businesses will be available to be won. Some players will wear costumes for team spirit – and to try and clinch the title of Best Dressed Team.
Case said in addition to regular straight-up bowling, there will also be “crazy bowling” – where each frame is a unique challenge, including bowling backwards, rolling the ball through legs, dancing up to the line, bowling while sitting down and more.
“They’re all different, crazy ways of making it fun,” he said, adding while the occasion may encourage some friendly competition, the experience is meant to be about working together for a common goal of helping kids.
“It’s a fun game – there’s no sort of (game) winner declared on the day,” said Case. “The winners will be our top fundraisers.”
To register for Bowl for Kids Sake Cochrane, go to https://bbbscalgary.donorpages.com/BFKSCochraneF17.
