Youth Mentoring Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser scheduled to be held in Waukon this year March 24

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting its annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser Saturday, March 24 at Arrowhead  Lanes in Waukon. This event aims to raise $5,000 to connect youth in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties with a mentor.

Currently, 111 people are involved in Youth Mentoring at Helping Services. Proceeds support those already in mentoring relationships and will also help connect even more youth with a positive role model. Interested parties can be involved in two important ways: register to bowl and/or donate to the cause.

“This fundraiser is a great opportunity for community members to gather with their co-workers, friends and neighbors by raising money for a worthy cause and have fun bowling together,” states Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator.

Registration is now open at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL. Form a team of four members, or sign up to bowl individually, and Helping Services will pair individual bowlers with others. Bowling times to select from are scheduled for 1, 3 or 5 p.m. After registering, bowlers are asked to seek donations of $50 or more to support the mission of Youth Mentoring. Donations can be collected in person or online.

Those who do not wish to bowl can still make a difference when a bowler asks them to contribute or by donating online at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL. Contributions are not only tax-deductible, but also give many area youth a person that supports them and creates opportunities for them to experience new things.

A number of area businesses have already contributed $3,350 towards the event's $5,000 goal. Big Difference Sponsors donating $500 include Steve and Alison Elwood. Randy’s CARQUEST Auto Parts, Marine Credit Union Foundation and Thrivent Financial are the Make A Difference Sponsors, contributing $300. Matchmaker Sponsors donating $100 include Alum-Line, Inc., Decorah Bank & Trust, Don’s Sales & Service, Carson and Chauncy Eggland, Cunningham Hardware & Rental, Family Table, Gundersen Health System, Hovden Oil Co., KAR Auto Group; Martin Funeral Home, Sweeney Real Estate, Waukon Feed Ranch, Waukon State Bank and Ziegler CAT.

Twelve additional businesses and individuals have also contributed to the mission of Youth Mentoring.

“We appreciate all the enthusiastic participants and donors involved with this bowl-a-thon benefiting local youth and mentors,” shares Schwartzhoff. Mentors spend a minimum of four hours per month with their youth doing activities they enjoy. Short-term mentoring opportunities, which require even less of a time commitment, are also available and help provide rich experiences for area youth. For more information on how to become involved in this rewarding volunteer opportunity or how to contribute to the bowl-a-thon, contact Kathy Schwartzhoff at kathys@helpingservices.org or at 563-387-1720.

Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support and education.