ASHEVILLE - "It’s the most fun you’ll have in rented shoes." That’s what Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is saying about its annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake, the youth-mentoring organization’s biggest annual fundraiser happening Saturdays in March. 

This year, BBBSWNC will hold the event at the following dates and locations:

• Burke: 9:00 AM - 5:45 PM on March 2 at Valdese Parks and Recreation Center (312 Massel Ave. SW, Valdese)

• Henderson/Polk/Transylvania: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM on March 2 at Tarheel Lanes (3275 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville)

• Buncombe: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on March 9 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville)

• Haywood/Madison: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on March 16 at Sky Lanes (1477 Patton Ave., Asheville)

• Macon/Jackson/Swain/Graham: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM on March 16 at Galaxy Lanes (347 Jackson Plaza, Sylva)

• Cherokee: 9:00 AM - noon on March 16 at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (777 Casino Drive, Murphy).

This year’s theme is “Support Your Sport!” Bowlers are encouraged to show up wearing sports gear from their favorite sport, team, or player. There will be prizes for the best costume. Bowlers bowl two games (shoe rental is included in the money they raise) and have a ton of fun.

Teams of four to five bowlers, formed online by registering at Secure.QGiv.com/Event/bfks2024, are asked to raise or donate $50 each. Ideally, teams should raise at least $250, every dollar of which goes directly to programs, thanks to the generosity of BBBSWNC sponsors.

Local and regional sponsorships starting at the $300 level are available on the website, as is the opportunity for supporters who don’t want to bowl to donate. 

Bowl For Kids’ Sake is outrageous fun for bowlers who want to help BBBSWNC match and support deserving kids with wonderful, fully vetted mentors in the 18 mountain counties it serves. BBBS of America studies indicate that “Littles” with “Bigs” do better in school, at home, and in their communities. They’re more likely to complete high school and enter college, the military, or the workplace on firmer ground than their peers.

“We’re excited to be bowling again this year,” said Dorian Palmer, BBBSWNC vice president of philanthropy. “Bowl for Kids’ Sake is by far the most enjoyable fundraising event anywhere in Western North Carolina. We hope you’ll join us.”

It takes little to be big. Bigs don’t have to be perfect or have a lot of spare time. For just a few hours each month, they and their Little do simple activities proven to improve a child’s self-esteem, such as doing homework, going for walks, trying a new recipe, or shooting hoops. At wBBBSWNC.org, BBBSWNC offers caring adults (and high school students) several options for helping a wonderful child in their community who deserves a great future.

BBBSWNC offers these tips (also available on the website) to help bowlers meet or exceed their team goal:

• Set a realistic goal and schedule to achieve your desired result.
• Create your own fundraising e-mail with images and video (if you like) to send to friends and family asking for donations.
• Use social media to tell your people about the campaign and invite them to watch, listen and donate.
• Create a strong message around your involvement with BBBSWNC and why giving is so important.
• Ask friends, family and co-workers for small gifts (say, $10) and plan your asks so that there is enough time to reach or exceed your goal.
• Invite those you trade with - dry cleaner, doctor, dentist, mechanic, etc.) to support you in your fundraising.
• Via social media, thank and showcase all your donors for their gifts, no matter the amount.
• Celebrate the end of the campaign with a party and use the occasion to publicly thank all those who gave to your fundraising campaign.

For more information, contact the county BBBS program coordinator listed at BBBSWNC.org.