Big Brother Big Sister of Maine

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up to Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2019, presented by Hannaford Supermarkets and Camden National Bank. Local bowling events will be held April 4-11 in Northport and Belfast and April 25-27 in Waldoboro and Rockport. Teams raise funds for youth mentoring programs in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties and then come out to celebrate their success at Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Special Events Manager Shawn Doll said Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s largest fundraising event, funding more than half of the agency’s operating budget that serves seven counties throughout midcoast, eastern and central Maine. Last year’s Midcoast bowling event raised over $80,000 for local community-based and school-based mentoring programs in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties. This year’s goal is to raise $85,000 for local youth.

According to Doll, every Big and Little match the agency creates and professionally supports costs about $1,400 annually. “Funds raised at Bowl for Kids’ Sake play a significant role in supporting matches between high school students and their Littles in our school-based program and fosters strong and enduring relationships between community Bigs and their Littles.” Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine served 739 youth in its seven-county service area. Doll said the local bowling events will help change the lives of over 250 children in the MIdcoast region.

BBBSMM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson said the agency’s focus this year is recruiting more volunteers to serve as mentors and encourages anyone who has ever considered becoming a Big to contact Big Brothers Big Sisters or come to a Bowl for Kids’ Sake event to learn more.

Businesses and individuals can register a team online at bbbsmidmaine.org, select a desired bowling date and time and create team and personal fundraising pages where supporters can make safe, electronic donations.