This year's Bowl for Kids Sake event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Orillia & District is, like so many other long-time fundraising events, going virtual.
Unfortunately, it seems to be a tough sell.
Usually the annual event takes places over six evenings and raises about $30,000 to $35,000 for the organization that facilitates one-to-one mentoring relationships for local youths.
Typically, 330 community members participate in the popular bowling event. To date, however, only four participants are signed up for this year’s event that is slated for Thursday night.
“We are not thrilled at all,” said BBBS Fundraising/Events Coordinator Leslie Adlam.
This year’s event takes place over Zoom video conferencing and uses a virtual bowling app that participants can download to their laptop, phone or tablet.
“People like being able to get out and do something and this is something on a computer again. Everyone is getting kind of Zoomed out I think,” Adlam said.
Over 600 people have looked at the event's ticketing page, but so far it’s been nothing but apathy. Adlam says she is desperate for participants.
“I’ve been calling people who have been on our list for years and I’m either not getting an answer because it’s their office number, or they are saying we are not interested," she said.
Currently BBBS Orillia & District is leaning on 75% of financial support from the government in order to keep their organization afloat, but Adlam says the success of Bowl for Kids Sake is very important for their future.
“It could have a big effect on how we open up our doors again to let people in.”
Adlam says while this year’s event takes a virtual approach, fun and interaction will still be featured.
“It’s something you can do with your family, it has great interaction, and we have great prizes.”
This year’s event theme is 'crazy hats.' During the live stream Zoom video conference Orillia mayor Steve Clarke, MPP Jill Dunlop, and local musician Cheryl Hill from Charlotte and The Dirty Cowboys will be judging participants' hats for prizes.
To participate or donate you can visit the BBBS Orillia & District Facebook Page or their website.
BBBS is also still looking for volunteers who would like to be mentors. Currently there are 24 local children on a waiting list, hoping for a match.
