Stettler’s Heartland Bowl had transformed into a packed space of fictional characters – from Ninja Turtles to Power Puff Girls – as community members played to the theme of television characters to fundraise at the Heartland Youth Centre (HYC)’s Bowl for Kids on Friday evening, Feb. 24.
There were 20 businesses and organizations that teamed up to support the event, along with groups of volunteers and youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club.
The top three fundraising teams were the Royal Bank, Kal Tire and Stettler GM.
“I love the spirit of Bowl for Kids,” said Winnie Bissett, executive director of HYC, who had dressed as Fred Flintstone for the evening.
Bissett said that the community had once again been generous and had raised more than $15,000.
“All of the adult teams that participated embraced the TV Show theme – there were fantastic costumes – The Addams Family, Golden Girls, Grey’s Anatomy, Home Improvement, 101 Dalmatians, Grease, Mr. Bean to name a few.”
Bowl for Kids is a national fundraising event of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
“All the money raised stay in the community in which they were raised,” Bissett explained. “The first time we held this event was in 1985 and then we missed four years.”
In 2007, the event was renamed, Lloyd’s Bowl for Kids to recognize super supporter and fundraiser, Lloyd Smith, who over the span of 17 years, between 1993 and 2010, had raised more than $71,000 for Bowl for Kids.
“The support that HYC receives in this community is incredible,” Bissett added. “I believe that HYC plays an integral role for youth in our community and when we receive the support we do for the two fundraisers – Bowl for Kids and Awesome Auction – I know the community feels the same. It is not hard to have fun at Bowl for Kids, as it is a very relaxed and friendly event.”
The funds raised from Bowl for Kids will support the operating costs of HYC, which is home to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and Boys and Girls Club.
“A big thank you to Bob and his staff at Heartland Bowl – Bob is a great supporter of this event, and makes everyone feel welcome,” Bissett said. “Bob and his crew dressed up as Charlie’s Angels for the event.”
HYC Bowl for Kids’ awards will be held Friday, March 24 for the top fundraising teams, best dressed, and top fundraising youth members, who will be recognized.
“Thank you to all the teams who participated and all those in our awesome community who made a donation – Stettler is the best place to be!” Bissett added.