A mere one week into its 2012 launch, Bowl for Kids Sake - Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Prince George's largest fundraiser - is nearly halfway to its goal of filling the lanes at Strike Zone on March 4.
"We've had a really great response so far," said BBBS interim executive director Tim Bennett. "We've never had 100 per cent capacity."
Bennett said this year's goal is $55,000 - a significant portion of the agency's annual operating budget, all of which remains in P.G.
On March 4, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., BBBS hopes 130 teams of at least four fill the Westwood Drive bowling alley in support of programs such as big and little matches, couples for kids, in-school mentoring, go girls and game on, which promote healthy lifestyles for young women and young men, respectively.
New this year is the introduction of cosmic bowling, where participants bowl under blacklights to highlight white and glow-in-the-dark paint.
"We have a DJ onsite and tons of prizes to give away," said Bennett.
A superhero theme encourages bowlers to dress up as their favourite heroes, or create their own.
Bennett attributes the early enthusiasm for registration to a growing support for the program, which has been in Prince George since 1979.
In 2011, more than 150 young people between the ages of seven and 18 were matched in one-to-one mentoring.
Each bowler is asked to raise a minimum of $50 in pledges and each team will get approximately two hours of bowling, shoe rental, a drink coupon per person and a plate of nachos to share.
Participants who raise more than $100 in pledges will receive special shirts with glow-in-the-dark paint for the event.
In order to register for the event, visit www.bbbspg.ca or call 250-563-7410 to have a registration package dropped off.
