Making Magic Happen

On Monday Feb. 26, the 14th annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser was hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Oconee at the Baldwin Bowling Center.
Raising funds for mentoring programs, the BBBS set a goal of $15,000 for Monday’s event.
“Events like this are important to an organization,” said Kendall Stiles, director of The G.I.V.E. Center and member of the Board of Directors for BBBS, “because they are family oriented, they bring in people from the community and it’s a chance for public relations to let people know what the Big Brothers Big Sisters is.”
Approximately 150 community members signed up to participate in the fundraiser; it lasted from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each participant received a T-shirt, unlimited free bowling for the evening and the team who raised the most money for the organization was given a plaque.
The most beneficial reward of the night however had no relation to a monetary gift; instead, it was a simple, heartfelt emotion of supporting a child in the community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ motto is “little moments, big magic.” Many of these ‘little’ moments occurred Monday while people were bowling.
As the pins were knocked down, participants could be seen smiling emphatically while giving a high five to their partner. Perhaps these high fives not only celebrated a strike or spare but maybe they were also celebrating helping the BBBS.
Big Brother and Big Sister mentors can be held responsible for a portion of the magic that occurs in the lives of their student mentees.
“Mentors can expose the children to the little things in life” said BBBS executive director, Karen Oakes. “Even if it’s a trip to see a movie or to a restaurant like Applebee’s, most of these children have never had those experiences.”
BBBS mentoring programs are currently working with 50 mentors, an increase of 12 from last month. They have also served a total of 122 children this year from Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington and Wilkinson counties.
Each mentor is required to spend a minimum of two hours a week with their mentee. Their time together is precious and offers an opportunity to the children that will help them grow as an individual, as part of a family and as a friend.
“It improves their confidence, competence and caring” Oakes said. “By participating in this program, the children are less likely to be into drugs and more likely to make the right choices in life.”
Karen Oakes has worked with the program for eight years and has seen many children’s lives changed through their connection with the program. Many of the opportunities made available by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Oconee are funded through United Way, fundraisers like Bowl For Kids’ Sake and private donors.
Three fundraisers are held each year. Tumblin’ Turtles is held in August, Playhouse Project is held in late November or early December and their most successful fundraiser, Bowl For Kids’ Sake is held in late February.
Monday’s fundraiser showcased an organization with a heart of gold. They make it possible for a child who may come from a weak home background to be surrounded with positive support and most importantly, a friend who understands.
A few hours spent with a child can make all the difference in the world.
If you would like to learn more, please contact The G.I.V.E. Center.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 9 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry