Come bowl for kids

| February 11, 2013

COSHOCTON – Bowling for Kids isn’t about who can knock down the most pins. It’s about helping children.

The event is an annual fundraiser for The Mentoring Center of Coshocton County which offers a variety of mentoring programs including: Bigs & Littles – matching adult volunteers and children ages 6-18; Peer Mentoring – designed to provide youth, grades 9-12, the opportunity to mentor; SMILES – school based mentoring; and Side By Side Parent Mentoring – a support program for parents. The center also offers educational opportunities for parents, professionals and mentors.

“We have a lot of real loyal supporters for Bowling for Kids,” said Sheila Mayse, executive director. “They know the children in our community are being well served by our programs.”

More bowlers, however, are always needed to make sure these programs continue.

“All you have to do is call us prior to the event and register your team,” Mayse said.

Bowling for Kids is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23 and lane times are 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., 1 to 2:45 p.m. and 3 to 4:45 p.m. at Coshocton Bowling Lanes.

“We always shoot to fill the lanes, but last year we were down a little bit so we are trying some new things,” Mayse said.

The Mentoring Center has planned bowling themed events to keep people’s minds on their annual fundraiser. The next one coming up is the Breakfast Bowl, which is scheduled for 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the center on the second floor of 410 Main St. For a minimum donation of $5 attendees can fill their bowls with breakfast goodies.

Anyone who attends the event and decides later on to get a bowling team together can do so by calling 623-8110 to register their team.

This year’s fundraiser will have a 1950s theme and participants are encouraged to raise at least $50.

“If we fill every lane and everyone raises at least the minimum amount we will reach our goal,” Mayse said. “Financially the last few years have been difficult and we need this to be a success so we can continue to provide the services we offer.”

In addition to helping a good cause, Bowling for Kids also is a fun escape from your daily activities and the chance to eat pizza, win prizes and enjoy time with family and friends.

“We try to make it a party and a celebration of the kids and the services we offer to them,” Mayse said.  “A lot of people also come that don’t bowl any other time of the year. It’s fun because no one cares about your score.”

 josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com

 

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Category: Clubs & Organizations

About the Author ()

I started my journalism career in 2002 with a daily newspaper chain. After various stops with them, I am happy to be back home! I graduated from Coshocton High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2002 from Walsh University. I also earned several awards while working for daily papers, including being honored by Coshocton County’s veterans for the stories I wrote about them. I am honored and ready to once again shine a positive light on Coshocton County. I also am the proud mother of a little girl named Sophia!

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