Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens announces 29th Annual ‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake’

It is no secret that Athens County is one of the poorest in Ohio, but for the 350 or more at-risk children facing adversity, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Athens County seeks to provide aid through “uplifting mentorship.”Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County works to pair children between the ages of five and 17 with members of the community in order to help provide much needed emotional support. Children in the organization are considered to be at or below the federal poverty line.Children who participate in mentoring relationships through BBBS are “46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 52 percent less likely to begin using alcohol and 33 percent less likely to engage in violent behavior,” according to research done by the organization.Founded in 1986, the organization helps to serve the children of Athens, Vinton, Washington and Meigs counties. Mentors with the organization spend four to six hours a month with their child. Together they spend time participating in educational activities, field trips and support services.The organization announced Feb. 18 its plans for the 29th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake campaign. This event is held every year in April to help support the Athens community and after school programs put on by the program.Businesses and individuals are invited to form teams of two to six bowlers to participate in the event. Teams are encouraged to raise $125 in donations in order to come and enjoy the free food and support a great cause.Last year was the largest event of its kind with over 60 teams participating, raising over $33,000.“This is hands down the biggest event that we do and it helps us not just in raising money but it also helps us increase awareness, it helps spread the word to the larger community about what we’re doing,” said Tracy Kelly, executive director of BBBS of Athens.Serving four counties, the organization also uses these events to find much needed volunteers.“It’s something we consider to be a very low-cost or a no-cost program to participate in, and that’s because really the focus is not about money, it’s about time and about spending time to make a difference in the community,” Kelly said.But you don’t have to become a mentor in order to help support the organization. All you need to do is enter to participate in the Bowl for Kids’ Sake campaign at Roller Bowl Lanes in Athens on April 12. Teams are asked to attend the event for at least one hour in order to bowl their turn.For more information about forming teams or sponsoring the event call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County at 740-797-0037 or email director@bbbsathens.org.