March 28, 2016 at 1:57 p.m.
New crew, new games for Bowl for Kids' Sake
New crew, new games for Bowl for Kids' Sake
By Kayla Thomason-
The theme will be "Hollywood" and participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite movie or TV actor, celebrity or reality star.
This year's event will feature several new wrinkles, organizers say.
"We're going to be trying a bunch of new games, I think that's pretty exciting," said Jamie Nelson, associate director of fund development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin. "The way that the event is basically set up will be the same but we're trying to make the games a little more exciting and have some new prizes. We're just trying to make a bigger impact the day of (the event) with community members."
Some of the games will include movie song trivia and "minute to win it" mini games like popping a balloon between two people. The costume contest will return and there will be a team challenge where participants bowl one frame in a creative way.
Organizers are pleased with how the event is coming together.
"I think it's going really well," Nelson said. "We actually have a new staff up in Rhinelander as well working on the event and she (Nicky Lindman, marketing and fundraising coordinator) is really working hard getting out there and introducing herself to people. She's been creating great relationships with businesses and community partners so I think it's going really well this year."
As of March 24, there are 12 teams registered to compete, and participants can include children and adults. Teams must consist of four to six people. Registration fee is $25 per group and each individual is exoected to raise $100 - which can come from sponsors, bake sales, etc. Children are to raise $50.
A lot of people raise more than the minimum, which pleases Nelson immensely as the money goes back to the community's children. A third of the annual budget comes from this event.
Proceeds will fund a match, cover the very strict background checks, and go toward recruitment as well.
"Child safety is our No. 1 concern, so making sure all those measures are in place and checked on consistently costs money," she said. "All of the matches are professionally supported meaning the staff that check in with our matches on a consistent basis have either a degree in social work or human services so when concerns do arise or when mentors need help addressing things with their Littles or our Littles need help with anything our staff are able to professionally support them."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin has matches in Rhinelander and they want to keep growing in the area.
"We really rely on the community's support and we appreciate all of their past support but we're going to be hitting it hard this year and increase our programming in Rhinelander specifically," Nelson said.
Teams can register up until the day of the event, but are encouraged to register ahead of time. To register or learn how to become a Big or Little visit www.bbbsnw.org.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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