Sidney, OH – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County is gearing up for the 2025 Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS) Bowl-A-Thon, and they need your help to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet! As a nationally recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters event, Bowl for Kids’ Sake serves as a fun and easy way for community members to support the life-changing work of the organization.
This year’s BFKS will take place in both Shelby and Darke Counties on different dates:
• Friday, February 28th & Saturday, March 1st at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney
• Saturday, March 22nd at McBo’s Lanes in Versailles
As the signature annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County, Bowl for Kids’ Sake brings together hundreds of local bowlers to support youth mentorship. “You don’t need to be a skilled bowler to participate – the event is perfect for coworkers, friends, and families to enjoy a day of fun and fundraising,” says Mitchell Meyer, Fundraiser Chair. Each participant receives a t-shirt, one hour of bowling, and the chance to win prizes and more! Bowlers are also encouraged to raise additional funds by gathering pledge support.
The City of Sidney employees have been dedicated participants since 2008, raising over $35,000 for the cause in the last 16 years. This year, they have already reserved 12 lanes for their teams. Brian Green, Street Superintendent for the City of Sidney and squad leader since 2008, is excited to report their bowling stats to their impressive donation record: 151 different bowlers, 611 games, 72,555 pins knocked down, resulting in an average score of 118.7. “It is a fantastic way to get our employees involved, contribute to a good cause, and have fun outside of our work environment,” says Green. He also challenges other corporations and entities to get their teams together and participate.
Event proceeds directly support the operational costs of pairing LITTLES (youth mentees) with BIGS (adult mentors). As the demand for mentorship grows, so do the efforts required by the team of dedicated mentor specialists who ensure each match is safe, supported, and set up for success. This thorough process includes child safety training, background checks, interviews, and ongoing support for both the BIGS and LITTLES.
“This year, our fundraising goal for BFKS is $40,000, and we can’t do it without you! Can we count on you to help strike a difference?” says April Brubaker, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County. “Your support will directly benefit families, schools, neighborhoods, and entire communities. It truly takes a village to raise a child—and BBBS programs are proof of that.”
To sign up a team or become an event sponsor, visit our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org, or contact us at info@bbbsshelbydarke.org or (937) 492-7611 for more information.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professionally supported mentorship to children of all backgrounds through the Site-Based Lunch Buddies and Community-Based programs. These one-on-one mentoring relationships help children build resilience, develop emotional intelligence, and improve their mental well-being. The organization supports the growth of local youth by fostering positive relationships with caring adult mentors.