Bowl for Kids Sake, the premiere fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lacombe and District (BBBS), returns for the 27th year.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters Executive Director Crystal Zens said the fundraiser returns this year in a virtual format through a Wii bowling night at the Lacombe Memorial Centre (LMC).
The annual fundraiser will be held on Feb. 27th from 6 p.m. to midnight.
“Our participants have spoken and with the changing times, growing programs and thirst for something exciting, our Star Wars Bowl for Kids Sake will be a virtual bowl night at the LMC,” said Zens.
This is the second year the fundraiser has been held in a virtual format. Previous years the event was held at Ambassador Lanes in downtown Lacombe. In the Wii Bowl format, teams can stay the entire evening, bowling in a tournament in multiple games, earning points throughout the evening.
“It was very popular last year and we received lots of positive feedback,” said Zens. “It will be an evening of fun and we’ve expanded the activities as well.”
A food tent and cash bar will also be on site to keep bowlers fueled up throughout the tournament. Other activities throughout the evening include team challenges, a best dressed contest, silent auction games and a DJ who will keep the crowd amped up all night with energizing beats.
This year’s theme is Star Wars, so participants are encouraged to don their best costume to really get into the spirit of the event.
Over the years Bowling For Kids has also become a team building opportunity for many participating businesses and local organizations. It can serve as a fun night out with coworkers that goes towards a good cause.
Also connected with the fundraising efforts of Bowl For Kids Sake is the Wii Bowl for Kids challenge within local schools. This year a record number of schools have signed up to participate including seven schools in Lacombe and Lacombe County.
Students collect pledges from friends, family and the community and spend the lunch hour bowling on Wii consoles.
All funds raised go directly towards mentoring programs within BBBS and stay in the local community. Each dollar raised helps match kids with a mentor.
This year the organization aims to raise $30,000 at the Feb. 27th event and along with the Wii Bowl for Kids events, hopes to double the amount raised with the goal of $60,000.
“Last year we exceeded our goal, so we really hope to meet it this time around,” said Zens. “We hope people will come on board and still support us even though there are challenging times ahead.”
Zens said this year is especially important for the organization to meet its fundraising goal as BBBS will be launching a capital campaign in search of a new space, as the organization will be required to vacate their current home at the Lacombe provincial building in the coming years.
“There has been so much transition and we don’t want any of our programs to be hindered,” she said.
The funds raised through BBBS support programs in Lacombe, Blackfalds, Bentley, Clive and Alix.
Zens said the organization is still looking for more teams for the adult bowling night along with event sponsors.
Tickets are now available and team registrations are being taken. For more information, visit www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 403-782-7870.
news@lacombeexpress.com