To the editor:
We are once again humbled by the tremendous community support we received for our largest fundraiser, Bowl For Kids' Sake, over the March 23-25 weekend. Both individual and corporate support for this event demonstrates that we reside in a truly giving and generous community, for which we are extremely grateful.
Over 250 bowlers convened to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Juniata Valley. Several teams stand out for their dedication to our cause including Maple Grove Mennonite Church, the community team that raised the most money and Walmart, whose employee teams combined to raise the most funds of any corporate team. Other teams that put forth exceptional effort include Trinity Church of Christ, Arby's Milroy, Fike Brothers Carpet One, Mifflin County Correctional Facility, Mifflin County Children and Youth, and the Brookline Bowl Dawgs.
Corporate support for our event was overwhelming as well. We were once again delighted to have Walmart as a tournament level sponsor, marking their sixth year at this level and HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehab returned this year as a scoreboard level sponsor.
Lane Sponsors included: One Stop Communications, Lewistown Pharmacy, Fred Carson Disposal Services, South Hills School of Business and Technology, Lewistown Hospital, Fike Brothers Carpet One, The Juniata Valley Bank and Nittany Paper Mills.
Our Pin Sponsors included: Big Valley Concrete, Mifflin County Correctional Facility Employees, Miller's Plumbing and Heating, Kish Bank, Central PA Dock and Door, First Quality Baby Products, Trinity Packaging Corporation, Rickenbaugh Building Supply, Bohn Furniture, Barr Funeral Home, LeMed Associates, Philips Ultrasound, Waterfront Tavern, FOXPRO Inc., and The Paisley Bride.
T-shirt Sponsors include: Smeltz and Aumiller Real Estate, Molly Maid, Bobby Rahal of Lewistown, Joe Krentzman and Son, Honey Creek Inn, West End Service Store, Ken Dickson's Auto Repair, Cocolamus Creek Disposal Services, Century 21 Above and Beyond, Lake Ford Lincoln, Dr. M. Colleen McCusker, Boulevard Station Car Wash and Carousel Skating Rink.
The local church community assisted us well. We are extremely grateful to the pastors and congregations of the following churches: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rhodes Memorial United Methodist, First Baptist, Trinity Church of Christ, Church Hill United Methodist, Grace United Methodist, Lewistown Presbyterian, Maitland Church of the Brethren, and Trinity United Methodist for their support, encouragement and assistance.
Bowlers were treated to free hot dogs, chips, soda and candy throughout the weekend thanks to generous donations from Harper Brothers, Big Daddy's Grill and Chill, Milton S. Hershey School, Sheetz Inc., and Bread of Life Restaurant.
The event itself would not have been possible without assistance from the Moose Family Center, Lewistown Lanes, and Neys Bowling Center. Thank you for being such great hosts. Last but not least, a special thanks to all the Bowl For Kids' Sake committee members for their time and dedication in making this fund raiser a success.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Our volunteers mentor children, ages 5 through 17, in communities across the country.
The local agency, founded in 1995, is dedicated to helping children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact. Kids matched in the Juniata Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters Program showed the following positive changes:
These results would not be possible without the support we receive from our community during the Bowl for Kids Sake event.
Every child deserves to be noticed, every child deserves to be praised, and every child deserves a mentor. Thank you for helping us give that gift to every child who needs it.
Judy Fitzgerald
BBBS Program Coordinator
Lewistown
