Bowl for Kids helps fund family programs

IRONWOOD - It was the Bowl For Kids fundraising event Saturday at Larry's Lucky Strikes for the U.P. Kids Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Mentors and kids from the program as well as community members raised funds for the program in order to bowl for the cause. Each bowler only had to raise $37 for the event, but many raised even more.

Maggie Munch, program director from the Houghton office and coordinator of the Bowl for Kids program, said the event is more than just bowling, it is about having fun for good cause.

Munch also said this is the only fundraiser the BBBS program sponsors each year and its purpose is to invite the community to take part in its mission by raising funds for local programs.

All the money raised from Saturday's event will stay in the Gogebic Range communities, said Munch.

She said this event is a huge contributor to the program every year, bringing in at least 25 percent, and many years over 30 percent of its funding.

Not only was the bowling event a fundraiser but it's also a great thank you party for the mentors involved with the programs.

The BBBS programs "help children realize their full potential and build their futures by providing strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships," Munch said.

BBBS offers two programs in U.P. communities, including the traditional mentoring program and the High Five program.

The High Five program is a school based version of the traditional BBBS program and pairs high school juniors as mentors with elementary students.

Angela Stengard, local coordinator of the High Five program, said they meet once a week in Ironwood, typically Wednesdays.

Stengard said the kids absolutely love Wednesdays because it is the day they get to meet for the program. And she said the juniors really enjoy it, as well.

Enjoying the event on Saturday was Betsy Wesselhoft, a BBBS mentor and her match Stephanie Robinson. Wesselhoft and Robinson have been matched for almost 9 years, when Robinson was just 9 years old.

The two of them have enjoyed lots of activities and adventures together over the years including berry picking, photography outings, kayaking, crafts and little trips together.

One of their favorite activities that they do quite frequently is get together to make dinner and then play games.

Wesselhoft said one of the most rewarding parts about being a mentor is being that role model in Robinson's life. She said Robinson is optimistic about her own future because of their relationship and she is looking into colleges to attend once she graduates.

Robinson said some of her favorite activities the two of them have done are baking, knitting, playing Scrabble and walking the dogs at H.O.P.E.

They both were enjoying bowling and the festivities on Saturday as one of the only matches both present for the event.

There were also many prizes being handed out Saturday on top of the bowling and pizza provided by Little Caesars.

Bowlers could win a number of prizes by answering trivia questions or competing in fun contests like who has the longest hair.

They also had several raffle prizes at the bowling alley including a Yooper basket, a kid's craft basket, a month membership to Main Street Fitness and more.

The day consisted of 3 sessions of people bowling for two hours each. Everyone was having a great time supporting a great cause.

The program is always looking for more mentors. If you are interested, check out their website http://www.upkids.com/bbbs or email [email protected] for more information.