Bowlers Raise $42,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend

Team Big Brother Big Sister stopped from their bowling for a moment to pose for a picture.
Photo by Navael Fontus

Kids were able to use the miniature bowler ramp and strikes too!

Bowlers particpated in the festivities.

By Navael Fontus
Outlook Writer

Let the good times roll as the annual Bowling for Kids’ Sake took place Saturday, May 16 at Florida State University’s Crenshaw Lanes.

 
The Bowling for Kids’ Sake is an annual fundraiser event sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend and is the biggest fundraising project for the nonprofit organization.

 
The event featured four two-hour bowling sessions throughout the day with 300 people coming out altogether.

 
This year the event raised $42,000 in Tallahassee as teams of five paid $500 dollars to bowl.

Representatives from businesses all over the city were in attendance for the cause along with families and friends who want to make a difference in the community.

 
Teams included Publix Supermarkets, the Tallahassee Democrat, different law firms in the area and even a group from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

 
Luis Garcia, the chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, called the event a celebration.

 
“We bring together all our big brothers, big sisters, all the families and our local partners and we just throw a party to celebrate all the mentoring and wonderful help that goes on in the community,” he said.

 
The mood was festive and lighthearted as music played while everyone bowled and had a great time. Whether it was a strike or a gutter it did not matter. The event featured friendly competition for a good cause. After bowling, teams were treated to Subway sandwiches and refreshments.

 
The event is a success in many eyes because 100 percent of the proceeds go directly toward supporting the children that Big Brothers Big Sisters serve.

 
“The money gets reinvested into us finding more mentors and more kids and especially getting that waiting list a little bit smaller,” Garcia said. “An event with such good intentions, it’s hard not to want to participate.”

 
Dylan Zivitz, a senior at Florida State, explained why he and his team, The Silver Production, decided to participate.

 
“I’m here with FOX49 and Joe Silver for Silver Productions and I’m here supporting the organization and it’s just a bunch of kids out here bowling and it’s just been a good time,” Zivitz said. “It’s great to always give back. You give what you get and it’s just a great thing seeing all these kids out here having fun because they’ve been through a lot.”