Bowl for Kids' Sake seeks teams, sponsors

Elizabeth Fields and the Bethel Bowlers of Lewes are ready for the camaraderie and excitement they have come to know after three years of participating in Bowl for Kids' Sake.

The annual event raises money for Big Brother Big Sisters and its mentoring programs.

Fields and her team of six will hit the lanes in Milford May 15 to participate in this year's event. “We really wouldn't miss it,” Fields said. “It's great fun and very well organized.”

Last year, Fields's husband, Phil, won deejay Sir Claude for an evening in the silent auction and the couple turned the event into a fundraiser for Bethel United Methodist Church missions programs.

“I really believe it takes a community to raise a child,” Fields said. “A mentor is able to be there for the child and help him, but they also show him a lighter side that often children miss.”

Organizers are still looking for teams, and sponsors are still needed for the annual fundraiser.

Participants must raise at least $100 and teams are made up of four to five people, who will bowl on one of 32 lanes.

Ray Quillen of Big Brothers Big Sisters said the event will feature a silent auction, door prizes, gift bags for participants and the Beach Bash, which invites people to wear their best beach-themed attire.

“We give out prizes for the best beach-themed group,” Quillen said.

Last year, the event raised about $14,000, he said.

“It takes about $1,000 per child to provide the mentor,” Quillen said. “We do background checks and offer advice to mentors. Mentors give guidance and suggestions, and we keep track to make sure the match is going along well.”

In Sussex County, 125 children are mentored through BBBS; 50 children are still waiting to be matched with a mentor.

“As much as we need money, we need volunteers even more because the program doesn't exist without the volunteers,” Quillen said. “They make it work.”

The Bethel Bowlers hope to do their part.

“We are looking forward to it again this year,” Fields said. “It's not about the score; we have a great time.”

For more information, to sign up a team or to sponsor Bowl for Kids' Sake, call Ray Quillen at 302-856-2918 or email Rquillen@bbbsde.org. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, go to www.bbbsde.org.