Youth Mentoring Bowl-A-Thon seeking bowlers for March 16 event in Waukon
Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting its annual bowl-a-thon Saturday, March 16 at Arrowhead Lanes in Waukon. This event aims to raise $7,000 to connect youth in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties with a mentor. Currently, 103 people are involved in Youth Mentoring at Helping Services.
Now is the time to strike up a conversation with friends, neighbors, club members and co-workers to form a team to bowl. Proceeds support those youth and adults being friends in mentoring. Those interested can be involved in two important ways: register to bowl and/or donate to the cause.
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. Anyone can bowl at this event. Bowlers do not have to be associated with mentoring to bowl. Bowling times are 10 a.m., 12 noon and 2 p.m.
After registering, bowlers are asked to seek donations of $25 or more to support the mission of Youth Mentoring. Donations can be collected in person and online. Those collecting more than $25 can be recognized in a special way at the event. Bowlers can also have even more fun by dressing to fit the Western theme wearing jeans, cowboy hats, kerchiefs and other gear.
“This fundraiser is a great opportunity for community members to gather with their co-workers, friends and neighbors while raising money for a worthy cause and have fun bowling together,” states Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator at Helping Services.
Those not interested in bowling can still be involved. Donate online at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL or mail to P.O. Box 372, Decorah, IA 52101. They can also contribute when a bowler asks them to support their team. Every contribution is tax-deductible, and it gives many area youth a person that supports them and creates opportunities for them to experience new things.
Mentors spend a minimum of four hours per month with their youth just being their friend. Mentors can be individuals, couples and/or families. Short-term mentoring opportunities, which are a great way to get started, 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 be part of this event, contact Kathy Schwartzhoff at kathys@helpingservices.org or 563-387-1720. Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support and education.
