A cheer erupts as the bowling pins scatter, at a Bowling for Kids preview event earlier this month.
Big sister Laura Ballard just rolled a strike, playing with Little Sister Deleah Payne, 18, who is so far, getting gutter balls. But that’s OK — Big Brother’s Big Sisters is all about fun, hanging out and offering support.
“We just hang out,” Ballard said. “And if she wants to talk about something or do something, that's where we go.”
Big Sisters like Ballard are mentors to their “littles” that they spend time with.
“I feel very safe and always watched over,” Payne said. “And if something ever like were to go wrong, I would always have someone there by my side.”
Fundraiser Bowling for Kids’ Sake starts Monday May 12, and is happening through Friday. Funds are raised by six person teams, and individuals donating on the Mentoring Kids website.
This year the event is at a few locations, including Evansville, Newburgh and Mount Vernon. This event raises 20-percent for the non-profit’s annual budget. The goal for 2025 is $100,000, according to board member Danny Schembre.
Ryan Scott of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, said their program is all about making connections for children.
“We are on one point in the most connected history of the world, but we are also the least connected as human beings. Statistically, one in three kids report not having a mentor. That's 19 million kids in the United States that don't have anybody to lean on, to learn what life is supposed to be, or learn how to get through the rough patches or or be able to see their future.”
Big Brothers and Big Sisters spend three hours a month just hanging out with their little brother or sister.
“So directly, the money raised here goes back into our community to help us defend the potential of all kids,” Scott said.
Learn more about the campaign here
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