BowlBRMCtopfundraiser2011

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brown County held their 5th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraising event on Saturday at Academy Lanes in Brownwood. This key fundraiser enables BBBS to serve the children of Brown County with one-to-one mentors.

Bowling teams were made up of 5-6 bowlers with each team member trying to raise $100 or more by the time the event began.

The Brownwood Regional Medical Center’s team, “Split Happens,” was the top fund-raising team bringing in $1,152.60 for the event. Members of the “Split Happens” include, front, left to right, Kathy Boyd, Jenny Person and Jacqueline Templeton, and, in back, also from left, Jared Trowbridge, Andrea Lee and Jennifer Cain.

BBBS began serving children in Brown County in 2007. Last year 74 children benefited from the mentoring program, yet 27 children are still waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. More children are being referred to the program each week. Money raised from the bowling event will help to make these matches possible.

Research shows that through the positive impact of a match relationship, children are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to use drugs, alcohol or engage in high-risk behaviors.  In short, they will have more opportunity to reach their highest potential with the encouragement that an additional adult mentor can add to their life. Volunteers are asked to spend time with a child at least twice a month.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brown County is a United Way agency primarily supported by local donations. For more information about Bowl for Kids’ Sake, or if you would like to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, contact Gina Jameson at 325-643-5600 or gjameson@bbbstx.org.