For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Wood County is asking the community to support Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, which raises money needed to pair volunteer mentors with children who face adversity in staff-supported, long-term mentoring friendships.

The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 12-3 p.m. at Rose Bowl Lanes in Marshfield. Team captain preregistration will be available from 12-7 p.m. at the BBBS office on Feb. 26 and from 11-11:45 a.m. at Rose Bowl on Feb. 27.

This year’s event will feature a Peter Pan theme, complete with themed raffles, balloon swords, and special photo opportunities with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook.

“As a mother myself, I hope to turn Bowl for Kids’ Sake into an event the entire family can enjoy,” said Heidi Goblirsch, executive director for BBBS Wood County. “What better way to support children in need than by remembering what it means to embrace the spirit of childhood?”

After more than 40 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake now engages more than a half million people across the country. Locally the goal is to raise more than $10,000 this season.

“Bowl for Kids’ Sake brings the whole community together in support of a positive future for our kids,” said Alanna Feddick, vice president of the BBBS Wood County board and chair for this year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake committee. “No matter how someone chooses to be involved — bowler, team captain, sponsor, or as a virtual bowler — each person has a hand in helping to start a child on the right path. Every dollar raised through Bowl for Kids’ Sake directly funds our mentoring programs in Wood and Clark Counties and helps to maintain and sustain our mentoring relationships, increasing kids’ chances for success.”

Donor funds enable BBBS to provide careful mentor matching and ongoing staff support that keeps one-to-one relationships going strong, which helps youth overcome adversity and achieve lifelong success. As the nation’s largest mentoring network, the organization holds itself accountable for helping children achieve positive measurable outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky and delinquent behaviors, improved relationships, higher aspirations, and greater confidence.

Families and businesses wishing to bowl or sponsor the event can sign up by contacting Heidi Goblirsch at 715-387-6198 or marshfield@bbbswood.org. More information about the event can be found at bbbswood.org/events.