Ann Arbor, MI - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County (BBBS) will hold its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake event at Revel and Roll in Ann Arbor, MI on March 14th from 3:30 - 5:30 and March 17th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 1:45 - 3:45 or 4:00 - 6:00. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the BBBS program. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is BBBS’ signature annual fundraiser. Teams of 4-5 people commit to raising funds and awareness for the organization and then come together to celebrate their achievements by bowling! The event will include a 50/50 raffle during each bowling session, a fabulous silent auction and the opportunity to vote for the official BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake mascot name. Suggestions for the mascot’s name were provided by Littles in the BBBS program and the winner will receive a free bowling party at Revel and Roll. This year, BBBS is grateful to have Production Services Management, Inc. (PSMI) as the Bowl for Kids’ Sake Magic Maker Sponsor. Sign up to bowl online today at www.bbbswashtenaw.org/events.
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County is a 1 – to – 1 youth mentoring organization that helps kids achieve their full potential in life. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Our vision is that all kids achieve success in life. BBBS serves an average of 400 kids annually. We currently have approximately 170 children on the waitlist; 70% of these children are boys in need of a Big Brother.
 
Longstanding studies show mentoring works.  With a mentor, youth are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school, 130% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team, and 46% less likely than their peers to start using drugs. Youth in our program realize a 92% increase in scholastic competence, 86% increase in educational expectations, and an 84% improvement in grades.
 
Executive Director, Jennifer Spitler, shares: “These are youth who-- because of our mentoring community -- are more likely than their peers to beat the odds.  We hold ourselves accountable for helping children achieve in school, avoid risky and delinquent behaviors, and have higher self-esteem and aspirations.”
 
 
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In Washtenaw County alone there are at least 15,000 at-risk children who are growing up in difficult circumstances.  They live in an atmosphere of despair and do not see a way out of their current situation.  Without positive intervention these children will most likely continue in the cycle of poverty and negative influences. For over 25 years BBBS, has been dedicated to empowering these kids with the tools needed to believe they can change their circumstances.  Through the positive preventative program BBBS offers, this dynamic can be changed by exposing children to opportunities that can transform their focus and direction, leading them to become productive members of our community and society in general. The impact of the relationship that develops between a Big (volunteer mentor) and a Little (child) is very powerful, one that helps the child to reach their full potential.
 
If you would like more information about Bowl for Kids’ Sake, becoming a volunteer (Big Brother/Sister) or engaging with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County in other ways, please contact Anne Marie Veneroni at 734-975-0933 x202 or email at Annemarie.veneroni@bbbswashtenaw.org.