Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2009: Sunday, March 15
Celebrating the 42nd Anniversary
of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass’
Biggest Fundraiser

February 2, 2009, Niles, Michigan – When is bowling not about bowling? When it helps match Berrien and Cass County children with a Big Brother or Sister. Bowl For Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass’ largest, annual fundraising campaign. Funds raised at the event on Sunday, March 15th at Joey Armadillo’s in Niles, Michigan will go directly toward matching children with carefully screened, caring Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers. When you bowl for BBBS, you get to enjoy a fun outing with friends, family, coworkers, your civic group or faith group. It’s not about the bowling, it’s about taking part in a fun activity to help local kids in need!

This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass expect about 200 bowlers, 350 pledge sponsors, and over 75 local companies to participate in the event. Bowl for Kids’ Sake provides critical funding by bringing in over ten percent of the annual budget.  All proceeds remain local as Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully matches quality mentors with waiting Littles, provides match support, and reaches the children in our community who are still waiting for a mentor.  All this is possible because of the generous donation of time and resources from Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowlers and sponsors.

“Since January is National Mentoring Month, it is an ideal time to kick off Bowl for Kids’ Sake,” states Kathy Rossow, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  “President Barack Obama has expressed a commitment to mentoring by asking each American to ‘be the change they wish to see in the world.’ (Gandhi) Mentoring a child is one of the most important volunteer commitments anyone can make, and it can have a profound effect on how that child sees the future.”

You can be a sponsor, bowler or both!

What a great way to show your company or organization is changing the way our children grow up in Southwest Michigan today by demonstrating your commitment to your community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass and the power of a life-changing mentor. Each five-member bowling team raises $500 in pledges. Sponsorship levels start at $100 for Lane Sponsors.

Sponsors and bowlers are encouraged to call our office at (269) 684-1100. Or, visit our website at www.bbbsofbc.org/events_bfks.php where they can find more information about Bowl For Kids’ Sake, download Sponsorship, Team Registration and Pledge forms or make an online donation. Sponsorship forms must be mailed to our office by March 6th. Your sponsorship dollars will support another match here in Southwestern Michigan.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, a United Way partner agency, helps vulnerable children beat negative odds. Professionally-supported volunteer services are proven to reduce children’s risk of dropping out of school; becoming violent; using drugs and alcohol; and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and its network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges that children in too many communities confront. There’s an urgent demand for what the organization achieves. In addition to the traditional mentoring program, which matches a Big Brother or a Big Sister with a child of the same gender for at least one year, BBBS provides "Lunch Buddy" mentors who meet with a child at their school once a week during lunchtime. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization celebrating 42 years of service in Berrien and Cass counties of Southwest Michigan. Learn how to join the movement to change how children grow up in Berrien and Cass Counties by going to BBBSofBC.org or call (269) 684-1100, toll free (877) 367-2244.