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Buccaneers Bowl for Kids Sake

$11,000 raised for mentorship programs at fundraising event
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Kathy Provost

A variety of landlubbers took to the bowling alley to raise funds and compete for booty at the second annual Bowl for Kids Sake, the main fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the South Cariboo.

The event doubled the success of last year's event, with twice as many participants and at least twice as much money fundraised.

Between the 18 teams registered, over $11,000 and counting was captured in loot at the Pirates of the Caribbean themed event.

Each team was responsible for raising $300, but many went above and beyond. The United Way of the Thompson Nicola Cariboo was also the presenting sponsor for the event.

"Everyone has been so enthusiastic. We got some great pirate themed costumes and teams, so it's been really nice to be able to provide a fun afternoon and a fun event for the community to participate in," says Kira Mitchell, the organizer and mentoring co-ordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters South Cariboo.

"This has been the most fun I've ever had. We just moved here and we're really happy to be supporting a community in our new home," says Chelsea Jeeves of the Alley Catz team.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been in the South Cariboo for just over a year and Mitchell says she has been thrilled The Alley Catz of Sunrise Ford, Danny Gilbert (left), Callie Gilbert,Chelsea Jeeves, Curtis McLelland and Mike Sterling, twisted the pirate theme of the event, posing as cats for the afternoon.with response from the community.

"As Big Brothers Big Sisters South Cariboo continues to build and be recognized in the community, more and more businesses, more and more organizations are representing us and helping to support us in many many different ways."

The organization is currently running a school mentorship program, that pairs elementary students with high school student volunteers to meet during the week, as well as pairing vulnerable youth with community mentors. They also are trying to expand their programming to offer a group mentorship programming.

"Mentoring is a proven protective factor for children and youth so it is really invaluable to the youth that are here in this community. I am really happy to be able to offer that to them."

The fundraising money will go towards running the programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers.

Mitchell says the goal is to continue to grow the organization in the South Cariboo. To do that, they are always looking for volunteers.

Currently, Mitchell says Big Brothers Big Sisters South Cariboo is in need of male volunteers to support male youth.

Overall, Mitchell says the Bowl for Kids Sake was a huge success.

"A big thank you to the community, for everyone coming out and supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters and allowing us to provide these services for the children and youth in the community."