2023 BFK Recap
It was “all that and a bag of chips” as BBBS’ 40th Annual Bowl for Kids event raised over $120,000 to provide kids in our community with caring, committed mentors. Hosted at Highland Lanes on April 21 and 22, this year’s 90’s-themed event brought people together to have fun while supporting a great cause.
“I could not be more pleased with the turnout,” said Maddison Ellis, BBBS Development Manager, Events. “It was wonderful to see so many people show up in their best “Saved by the Bell” costumes, ready to bowl and have fun. The enthusiasm and energy was contagious, and I am grateful to everyone who made this event a memorable one.”
It was a memorable event as 90’s fashions made a temporary come-back at the bowling lanes. More than 320 people participated, forming 58 teams. Bowl for Kids is an annual bowl-a-thon where participants fundraise and then celebrate with a themed bowling party that includes food, drinks, games, and prizes.
“To our sponsors, volunteers, and staff, thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your contributions and support made a real difference, and we could not have done it without you,” said Maddison. “I particularly want to thank Jason and Brandon for their incredible contributions. Their leadership, creativity, and passion were instrumental in making it such a memorable and successful occasion.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is fortunate to have many bowlers and participants who have supported this event for 15+ years. However, there was one brand-new participant who got caught up in the excitement as well, BBBS’ new VP of Development, Lauren Alexander-Labahn.
“Bowl for Kids kicked off on day two of my tenure with BBBS of Central Texas, and I cannot imagine a more energizing and inspiring way to have begun this journey,” said Lauren. “The energy, excitement, and passion for our mission was palpable. Bigs, Littles, donors, volunteers, Board Members, new friends, and longtime friends came together to celebrate and support our work, and everyone had a blast doing it. It was truly a community event, and I cannot wait to get to work on Bowl for Kids 2024.”
Bowlers sported bucket hats and plenty of psychedelic colors in honor of this year’s “Saved By The Bowl” theme. There were even a few retro cheerleader outfits, t-shirts honoring the 90’s show “Friends” and MTV, giant cell phone props and boomboxes. A 90’s banner provided the perfect photo-op for teams, and a number of BBBS matches also had the opportunity to bowl and join in on the fun.
During each bowling timeslot, specially painted bowling pin trophies were awarded for the best individual costume, best team costume, most spirited team, and the biggest fundraising impact.
Participants also had the opportunity to play some new games, including Bowling Bingo, and Strike It To ‘Em, a game where participants could pay to impose penalties on another team, such as bowling on one foot, bowling backwards, and bowling with their eyes closed.
Bowl for Kids 2023 sponsors included Kingpin Sponsor: RSM; Lucky Strike Sponsors: ARM, Bluepoint Games, and Highland Lanes; Super Spare Sponsor: Sequal Data System; Sure Shot Sponsors: Austin FC, BMC, Canvas Press, Cobb Fendley, Denver Dunlap Real Estate, Fiesta Time, Independence Title, L&W Supply, Latchkey, Lisa McDonald Realtor, Luxe Refill, Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions and Moody Bank. In-kind Sponsors included: The Austin Chronicle, Community Impact Newspaper, KVUE, and Pizza Hut.
The tardy bell has rung to close out this year’s special event, but the impact of BBBS’ Bowl for Kids 2023 will last for years to come. 100% of funds raised through Bowl for Kids go to matching more kids with caring adult mentors who can change their lives for the better, forever. Now, that’s something to celebrate!
See event photos HERE
See our BFK highlight video HERE
