Bowling challenge raises money, fosters awareness for Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Brandan Adams serves as an assistant bowling coach at Birch Run High School, and has been bowling since his own high school days.

Adams currently works at the Birch Run Arby’s, and when he was approached to be on a team for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Flint’s Bowling Challenge, it seemed like a no-brainer.

“I enjoy bowling a lot,” Adams said. “I figured if I could raise some doing it, why not?”

Adams’ team was one of about 520 who participated in the 32nd annual challenge, donating money to Big Brothers, Big Sisters in the process.

The organization’s biggest fundraiser began Thursday and ran through Sunday at Galaxy Lanes in Grand Blanc, 2226 E. Hill Road.

The goal was for around 600 teams to sign up and raise about $160,000, but the organization is still happy with the results, said Reta Stanley, president of Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The fundraiser provides the organization with about 20 percent of its operating budget, which goes toward helping at-risk youth find mentors.

“We've had a steady flow of people throughout the weekend,” Stanley said. “That's why we're here, for the kids in the community.”

Each team member was responsible for raising $45 in pledged donations.

The team from the Birch Run Arby’s was one of 27 from Arby’s around the Genesee County area. Shelly McKinnon organized the Birch Run team after she was approached to put one together for the first time from her store.

“You have to love it,” McKinnon said. “It’s going to a good cause.”

While they may have fallen a bit short of the goal of 600 teams, Stanley said the turnout was still excellent.

She said the diversity of the teams is greater than in years past, when organizations like General Motors and the United Auto Workers would bring very large groups to the challenge. Many bowlers also raised more than the required $45, Stanley said.

The event can serve as a recruiting tool for the organization, an event for members to attend or just a community event, Stanley said.

“It connects people stronger to the agency,” she said. “It gives them a better understanding of what we’re doing.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters officials were still hopeful they’d reach their goal through the challenge, but donations will be accepted through March 31, Stanley said.

“We want people to know even though the event at Galaxy Lanes ends, the campaign doesn’t,” Stanley said.