It was a great event to raise money for kids.
The Humboldt Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) held their largest annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids Sake, February 11-17 at Kemway Lanes in Humboldt. The 307 bowlers who participated raised $24,000.
"We are very happy with the outcome overall," said Stacey Poss of BBBS. "Although the pledges earned were down, the outcome was still very good for us."
Last year, Poss said they raised about $26,000, so they are glad they raised close to that amount. Pledges were still coming in last week.
The highest pledges collected by one person was by Megan Brockman from MNP, who raised $305. Shyanna Reich of the Scouts collected the highest amount of pledges by a youth.
The fundraiser was exciting for the kids BBBS helps, especially one night when the Littles bowled with some special guests.
"I do want to thank the Humboldt Broncos for coming out to bowl with our Littles," said Poss. "They really enjoyed that and the Broncos were really good with them. They made their day."
Poss was also thankful for the amount of support they received from the community.
"The biggest thing, we want to thank the businesses and the sponsorship that we received, because that is really what made the difference this year and helped us come out on top," said Poss.
Not only was the sponsorship huge, they also had a number of volunteers step up to run the event to make it a success.
The funds will help run programming for kids in the Humboldt district.
"We thank everyone that did participate because they did make a difference as to the number of children we can serve," said Poss. "This is our prime fundraiser. This is how we earn our money - grant writing and fundraising."
The organization is looking to expand their service area.
"We are continually receiving inquiries from new families that are moving into Humboldt and area," said Poss. "Our area of service is expanding and people are starting to understand the effects behind mentoring, positive role modelling and the impact that it can have on children and our communities. It really can make a difference for life in our communities."
Recently, BBBS started In-School Mentoring and In-School Teen Mentoring programs in Humboldt, Muenster and Bruno schools.
"Ultimately, we hope to have enough resources to reach Lanigan school next year about offering In-School Mentoring," said Poss. "The number of children being mentored has increased especially for rural communities with the introduction of the In-School Teen Mentoring."
Once more rural communities are engaged, they will start fundraising there as well.
"Until we truly start serving them, it is tough to do the fundraising there," said Poss. "It is like the chicken before the egg."
She explained the programming really helps children in the community.
"These children who are being mentored are ultimately not on the streets and are making better choices," said Poss. "They have someone who is taking them under their wing and helping them to make better choices. Children know they are cared for by the community, not just their parents...
"One person can make a huge difference in a child's life," said Poss.
They are always looking for more mentors for the Littles. There are currently nine girls and five boys on their waiting list.
They are also looking for young men between the ages of 15-18 to help mentor during their group programming "Game On," for Boys.
"We have girls stepping up all over the place (for the Just Girls group) but we need some young men to give our leader a hand," said Poss. "It would look great on their resume if they were willing to help out."
Anyone interested can call the BBBS office.
