OTTAWA, Ohio (WLIO) — A little friendly competition on the lanes turned into big support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Putnam County.
The organization held its annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser at Highland Lanes in Ottawa on Saturday. Seventeen teams made up of businesses, organizations, and first responders signed up to roll their best game and compete for the trophy.
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers mentorship programs in five Putnam County schools and also runs a community-based program serving children throughout the county. The fundraiser is vital to maintaining these programs for kids who need a Big Brother or Big Sister.
“This provides those funds for us to continue going. It provides the opportunity for us to expand into Putnam County. Every dollar raised here stays here. We're here to service different clubs coming out to bowl, different organizations supporting us. So, we just out having some fun and raising some funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Putnam County," said Portia Smith, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also seeking more volunteers, called “Bigs,” to spend time and connect with “Littles” across Putnam County.
“Mentoring is everything. Mentoring will literally change the trajectory of somebody's life. It encourages Littles to try in school, to make good choices. If they are having a difficult time at home, it gives them another perspective. Being able to connect with other people and their families as well. A lot of times, Bigs and Littles get so connected that their families start to become familiar, and so it just builds a strong social network around the Little,” said Errin Boyer, development director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Ohio.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also inviting people and groups to participate in upcoming Bowl for Kids Sake events at Westgate Lanes in Lima on March 28 and Hillcrest Lanes in Kenton on April 11. For more information, visit www.bbbswco.org and click on the events tab.
