Yabba Dabba Do! Bowl For Kids’ Sake, benefiting local kids, is rolling back to a bowling alley near you.
Based this year on Fred Flintstone’s famous “Yabba Dabba Do” catchphrase, the annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina happens in March (schedule below) and supports neighborhood kids who need a caring mentor. BBBSWNC has programs in 18 N.C. mountain counties, and the six regional Bowl For Kids’ Sake events help nearby kids – and their families – close to home.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake, BBBSWNC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, is a blast! Teams of four to five bowlers, often sponsored by their church, school, or place of work, enjoy two hours of fun bowling alongside other teams and supporters who are cheering each other on.
Team members are asked to raise or donate at least $50 each. Teams raise at least $250, every dollar of which goes directly to programs, thanks to the generosity of BBBSWNC sponsors. Shoe rental is included in the event.
“Bowl For Kids’ Sake is one of the most fun ways to make a difference. Bowling, laughter, and community spirit all come together to support local kids,” said Danielle Hernandez, BBBSWNC regional program director. “Every dollar raised helps Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC provide mentorship and life-changing opportunities for children right here in our community.”
Create or join a team at the Bowl For Kids’ Sake website HERE.
People who don’t want to bowl can visit the website to make contributions, as can potential sponsors. Local and regional sponsorships start at the $300 or $500 level.
This year’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake theme is right out of Bedrock – Yabba Dabba Do! Bowlers are encouraged to dress like The Flintstones or in any costume that evokes the Stone. There will be prizes for the best costume. Street clothes are also fine.
“Bowl For Kids’ Sake abounds in hilarious, friendly competition,” said BBBSWNC program coordinator Debbie Thompson. “It engages the competitive spirit, and the costumes will have you howling with laughter. One-to-one mentoring helps children and youth grow into successful young adults, and this event helps BBBS support that in our communities.”
BBBSWNC is always recruiting caring adults to be Bigs. Bigs don’t have to be perfect. They just have to have a big heart and a willingness to show up consistently for their Little (consistency is often what kids treasure most).
In BBBS’ site-based program, Bigs spend an hour each week at a Little’s school, helping them with homework and enjoying some free time. In its community-based program, Bigs and Littles enjoy an outing – grabbing a bite to eat, going for a walk, visiting a local place of interest, for example – twice a month. Program coordinators suggest many of the outings and arrange several more.
Studies done for BBBS of America, the nation’s largest youth mentoring agency, show that having a Big helps Littles improve their self-esteem/self-confidence, their school work and attendance, and their relationships with their families, peers, and teachers. Bigs are thoroughly vetted and professionally supported by trained staff.
Learn more about BBBS of Western North Carolina by clicking HERE.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake coming this March to a location near you in Western North Carolina.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake event locations and times, all happening in March:
- Burke: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 8 at Valdese Parks and Recreation Center (312 Massel Ave. SW, Valdese).
- Henderson/Polk/Transylvania/Rutherford: 11 a.m.-3:15 p.m. March 8 at Tarheel Lanes (3275 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville).
- Buncombe: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 15 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
- Haywood: 11 a.m.-3:15 p.m. March 22 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville).
- Macon/Jackson/Swain/Graham: 10 a.m.-2:15 p.m. March 22 at Galaxy Lanes (347 Jackson Plaza, Sylva).
- Cherokee: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. March 22 at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (777 Casino Drive, Murphy).