Rolling a ball at five pins, surrounded by neon lights, was the perfect way for a 10-year-old boy to spend the afternoon with his “big.”
Chance Walker has been in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) student mentorship program since its inception at Heritage Heights School for three years, and enjoys spending time with his “big” Rachel, an older student at the school. They play board games and enjoy the outdoors together once a week.
The two teamed up with another “big” and “little” pair from Heritage Heights School in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Rock and Bowl for Kids Sake at Millennium Lanes in Okotoks on March 24. The event raised close to $17,000.
“I thought it might be fun,” Walker said of the annual bowling fundraiser. “It’s kind of like a competition.”
The event not only had teams of four bowling, but had them participate in a black-out bingo game and offered prizes for most spirited and highest fundraising team.
Walker said his team won the blackout bowling, which challenged teams to play air guitar and bowl with their feet. Walker admits he’s not an avid bowler, but that he’s pretty good when it comes to knocking down pins. Being there alongside his “big” was even better. He said she’s the highlight of the school week.
Also supporting the Okotoks chapter of the non-profit organization in its only fundraiser was Orangetheory Fitness, a new business in Okotoks.
It was a family event with staff members bringing their children along to partake in bowling.
“The moms dragged out the little ones,” said coach Tabitha Thiessen. “It’s a good family experience. It’s really great to be a part of something and support the Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
Thiessen said it was important to the staff to support the initiative as some of their members are organizers of the event.
“It’s supporting our members that support their community,” she said. “I’ve never been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters before. That’s what I love about it is it’s small businesses supporting small organizations.”
Also participating was businesswoman Julie Bell and her team Living on a Spare.
Bell said this is her first year participating in the annual fundraiser.
“We are only strong if we support one another,” she said. “Anything that’s going to help support children in need is vitally important.”
Laura Padget, BBBS team lead of satellite programs, said this year marked the first time the event sold out with 20 teams taking up all 10 lanes in two sessions.
She said the teams consisted of families, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship pairs, businesses and community members.
“All our lanes were full and the teams did a great job fundraising,” she said.
The most spirited team for each session was The Eagle 100.9’s “Motley Crue” and Cactus Club Salon & Spa’s “C.C. Rockers and Bowlers” for the second consecutive year. The highest fundraising team for each session was the Flynn Family, who raised $1,630, and the Padget family, who raised $1,230.
Padget said that although Big Brothers Big Sisters receives financial support from United Way and Family and Community Support Services to help cover costs of staffing, training volunteers, recruitment initiatives, program supplies and activities for the school based programs, this fundraiser is crucial to continue enhancing the program and training and screening additional volunteers.
