By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Sunrise Rotary Club is putting on its first ever “Lend-A-Hand Bowlathon” to raise money for the numerous local projects the organization supports as well as the Keep Kids Warm program, which was initiated by the Marshfield Area Community Foundation (MACF) to provide area children adequate winter clothing.

The proceeds from the event will be split 50/50. Half go to rotary, and half go to Keep Kids Warm.

Amber Kiggens-Leifheit, executive director of MACF and a member of rotary, said that Keep Kids Warm fills a growing need in Marshfield.

“We saw the need existed to provide warm winter clothing: coats, boots, snowpants, hats, and water-proof mittens. School guidance counselors had been calling asking for these for their students,” Kiggens-Leifheit said. “As a Rotarian, I am proud of (the club’s) efforts and happy they choose (to support) Keep Kids Warm so all school-aged students will have warm winter clothing to help them succeed.”

The program served about 350 students last year.

Ben Bauer, a Sunrise Rotary member and president elect of the club for 2015-2016, said that in addition to fundraising for Keep Kids Warm, the organization supports many local events and programs, including Winter Wonderland, Home Delivered Meals, Relay for Life, Soup or Socks, and more.

Bauer said that the Bowlathon will replace the “Lend-A-Hand Auction” that the club previously held as a main fundraiser because the group wanted to bring a fresh event to the community.

“The big thing definitely is to raise some money to support a couple great causes, obviously, both our club and everything we do as well as the community foundation’s Keep Kids Warm project,” Bauer said. “Really it’s bringing our club and our community together.”

The Lend-A-Hand Bowlathon will take place April 10 at Rose Bowl Lanes in Marshfield. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with bowling to follow at 6:30 p.m. Each team will bowl three games. Teams may have up to six people, and the cost to register a team is $75. There will also be raffle prizes and a silent auction.

To register a team, visit the event’s Facebook page by searching “1st Annual Marshfield Sunrise Rotary Lend-A-Hand Bowlathon” or visit the club’s website at marshfieldsunriserotary.com.