Sign up now to take part in Youth Mentoring Bowl-A-Thon March 21

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting its annual Bowl-A-Thon Saturday, March 21 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, 104 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. Participants can be involved in two ways: register to bowl and/or donate to the cause.

Registration is now open at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL. Bowlers can form a team of four members or sign up to bowl individually and Helping Services will pair them with others. Anyone can bowl at this event, and bowlers do not have to be associated with mentoring to bowl. Bowling times are 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.

Bowlers are asked to register by Friday, March 13 to get their preferred bowling time. 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 will be recognized in a special way at the event. Bowlers can also have even more fun by dressing to fit the rock and roll theme wearing shades, leather jackets and tie-dye shirts.

“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 having fun bowling together,” states Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator at Helping Services for Youth & Families.

Those not interested in bowling can still be involved in supporting the event. Donate online at www.helpingservices.org/YMBOWL or mail to P.O. Box 372, Decorah, IA or contribute when a bowler asks for support for their team. All contributions are tax-deductible, and it gives many area youth a person who 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 volunteer opportunity or how to become part of this rockin’ good time, contact Kathy or Colinne at mentoring@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.