In one day, 300 friends of BBBSAZ celebrated the power of mentoring
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, families, and community partners, and the generosity of the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) raised $47,000 on Saturday, June 10, at its two Glow Bowl community bowling events as part of the Bowl for Kids’ Sake summer fundraising campaign.
In the weeks leading up to Saturday’s Glow Bowl parties, Bigs, Littles, board members, supporters and staff contacted their friends, family members and colleagues, shared why they support Big Brothers Big Sisters, and asked for donations to their bowling teams. Each bowler raised at least $120, and their hard work was recognized at the Glow Bowl community bowling parties where they were treated to bowling, pizza, games, prizes and entertainment at AMF Christown Lanes and AMF Tempe Village Lanes.
“We can’t thank our Bowl for Kids’ Sake participants and donors enough for all they do to make this event a huge success,” said Brandi Devlin, Senior Director of Marketing for BBBBSAZ. “They know first-hand how transformative the mentoring relationship can be for the child, the family, and the volunteer, and they are happy to share their stories with others.”
This year, BBBSAZ joined forces with Riviera Broadcasting, home of Power 98.3/96.1, HOT 97.5/103.9, and Oasis 95.1/94.9, and the radio stations’ on-air personalities got in on the fun, provided music for the Glow Bowl parties, and raised more than $2,300 from their listeners.
Because not everyone can volunteer to be a mentor, Bowl for Kids’ Sake gives individuals a chance to make a difference and help build a stronger community.
“Every dollar raised will go directly to recruiting mentors so the 300 kids on our waiting list will be matched sooner, and those already matched will continue to receive the support and guidance of a positive adult role model, increasing their chances to grow up to be successful adults,” said Devlin.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest national fundraiser, raising more than $20 million annually for youth mentoring programs across the country. In addition to the community bowling events, many corporate partners hold private bowling events for their employees which, locally, raise an additional $80,000 to support mentoring programs for kids who need and deserve champions.
There’s still time to be part of the Bowl for Kids’ Sake summer fundraising campaign by making a donation or hosting a private corporate bowling event. Individuals can make a donation at www.bbbsaz.org/bfks2017. Businesses wishing to host a private event can contact Taylor Ralston at tralston@bbbsaz.org or (602) 393-4129.