Dust off your shoes, call up your team and get ready to let the good times roll! Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2011 will be held Saturday, Feb. 26 at Tarheel Lanes in Hendersonville. This event is the largest annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.

Last year, over 1,000 bowlers raised nearly $95,000 to support “Littles” and their “Bigs” in seven Western North Carolina counties. Each bowler raises a minimum of $50 ($35 for students) and receives two games, shoe rental, a commemorative t-shirt, pizza and the chance to win door prizes.

“It’s a great way for four or five friends or co-workers to have fun together while supporting a great cause,” says Karen Dacey, program coordinator in Polk County.

All of the costs of the event are met by presenting sponsors Roberts and Stevens, Camp Bethel, as well as local Pin and Team sponsors in Polk County: Terry Ackerman, CooperRiis, Diamond B Energies, Digit and Beth Laughridge, Morning Glory Farm, Raymond James & Associates, David and Patty Slater, Song Hill Reserve, Timken, Musselwhite Electric, No Problem Builders. In addition, Lane Sponsors have been provided by Bonnie Brae, Larry and Gretchen Boyd, Bravo, Farm Bureau Insurance, Andy and Linda Haynes, Kiwanis Club of Tryon, Sandra McCormack, Millard & Company, Nature’s Storehouse and St. Luke’s Hospital.

Because of these sponsors, each dollar raised by bowlers goes to recruit, train, screen and match adults with young people in need, and to help those relationships last long and be strong. These relationships transform young people and the communities in which they live.

Jonathan was one of those children. When Dan saw Jonathan again, he almost did not recognize the composed, confident college graduate in front of him. The last time they had seen each other, Jonathan was 11 years old and had been Dan’s Little Brother for two years.

Although they had enjoyed some fun adventures and good conversations, Dan wondered what would happen as Jonathan moved away. When they met again, Jonathan was back in town for an internship before he started law school. The quiet, shy kid had grown into a calm, well-spoken young adult.

Jonathan recounted stories of events Dan barely remembered. Jonathan remembered them all and he clearly knew that those activities had made the major difference in the direction of his life.

Teams of four to five bowlers can still sign up to participate. More information is available on the Big Brothers Big Sisters website, www.bbbswnc.org, by calling Karen Dacey at 828-859-9230, or by emailing polk@bbbswnc.org.