This weekend, dust off your bowling shoes for a good cause

Team up with friends to help Big Brothers Big Sisters at fundraising with the Bowl for Kids at Highland Lanes. Ricardo B. Brazziell / AMERICAN- STATESMAN

Team up with friends to help Big Brothers Big Sisters at fundraising with the Bowl for Kids at Highland Lanes. Ricardo B. Brazziell / AMERICAN- STATESMAN

It’s time to flex your bowling skills. The children of Dayton need you.

This weekend, over the course of two days, Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking the community to come together to raise money and support their mission at the Poelking Woodman Lanes in Kettering.

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If you’re unfamiliar with the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, it’s fairly simple: To help all children (especially those in need) reach their full potential through one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors.

This particular fundraising event, Bowl For Kids’ Sake, is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ longest-running (and one of its most successful) grassroots events. In fact, at least year’s bowling event, over 500 people and 30 Dayton-area businesses came together to raise money for the organization.

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To participate, Bigs (the mentors), Littles (the mentees) and corporate and individual sponsors must gather up teams to raise a minimum of $500 per team. Then, the teams will celebrate at Poelking Woodman Lanes with an afternoon of entertainment, prizes and bowling.

This year, there will be a special Realtors-only bowling and fundraising event on Friday, March 6, beginning at 1 p.m. To register for the realtors-only version of the event, or simply to support a colleague's team, visit bbbsmiamivalley.org.

Bishop Fenwick High School Freshmen participate in the Bowl For Kids Sake event to raise money for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentoring program Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Eastern Bowling Lanes in Middletown, Ohio.

Credit: Nick Graham

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Credit: Nick Graham

“We are proud to once again partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters, illustrating our commitment to Miami Valley youth, by participating in our annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake-Realtor Edition,” said Carlton Jackson, CEO of Dayton Realtors.

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Then, on Saturday, March 7, the rest of the community will come together to join in on the fundraising efforts and fun. The teams will either be able to start at 1 p.m. or 3:15 p.m. You can register your community team by visiting bbbsmiamivalley.org. If you can't attend the event but would still like to donate, text DEFEND to 243 725.

“This event enables us to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO, Anne Pfeiffer, in a news release. “This is a great opportunity to have a good time with friends and family while supporting a good cause.”

WANT TO GO?

What: Bowl For Kids' Sake, a fundraiser hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters

Where: Poelking Woodman Lanes, 3200 Woodman Drive, Kettering

When: Realtors-only on Friday, March 6, beginning at 1 p.m., and open to the entire community on Saturday, March 7, with start times at 1 p.m. or 3:15 p.m.

More info:

Realtor Edition: WebsiteFacebook

Community Edition: WebsiteFacebook

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