Big Brothers Big Sisters Holds Bowling For Kid’s Sake Fundrasier

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEW WINDSOR – Sharon Williams is all about children: whether they are her own or others, they come first.

And so Sunday, the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, NY Inc. was once again immersed in her passion: helping children have fun while celebrating their worth and limitless potential at the Annual “Bowl for Kids Sake” event, held at Tarsio Lanes in New Windsor.

After diligently attending to tasks at the event for over six hours, the mother of two was able to make it to her son’s nearby swimming reception, recognizing his swimming feats.

“I’m just so happy I’m able to get to both events,” said Williams near the conclusion of the bowling event, smiling as she pointed virtually across the street to where her son’s event was being held, Anthony’s Pier 9. “It just worked out so perfectly.”

What also turned into an ideal result was the Bowl for Kids productive morning and afternoon. In existence for over 25 years, the popular gathering is the featured fundraiser for the local organization. Including 35 teams of five from different area businesses and families, it challenges those involved to raise funds, both on and off-line.

Offering a variety of food, donated from such places as; Shop Rite, Loughrans, Pete’s Hot Dogs and Mias Kitchen, an assortment of raffles and door prizes, a DJ spinning energetic tunes, and of course plenty of bowling, the event was packed with smiles, laughter, and just sheer, overall fun. It’s that very type of atmosphere that is foremost each year when the Bowl for Kids Sake brings together an impressive crowd, all united by their dedication to a common, altruistic cause, helping children blossom with the guidance of caring, positive, and often life-transforming mentors. It’s a mission that relies upon community involvement, and once again, all those participating came through…big.

“Without the support of the community, we cannot do the work that we do; this is the one sort of event where the community really comes together for the agency and the idea of mentoring, but also for the power of it as well.”

That potency could be observed over in one of the far, right lanes where The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring On-Site Program of Mount Saint Mary College participants could be seen enjoying the day’s activities. Matching inner-city children from the City of Newburgh with a Mount “Brother” or “Sister,” the program currently has 18 matches, who work with youth right at the college, exposing them to college life, along with a host of scheduled educational and fun activities, taking place two times a month for a total of three hours.

Some of the Program’s children were on hand Sunday, raising their hands while smiling wide as they knocked down bowling pins, had lunch or just simply spent time with their mentor. One of those “Big Sisters is Nicole Bosi, a graduate student, who has been a shining mentor to sixth grader Princess Howard for the last six years.

“Our program has grown in size over the years; many of the Mount students enjoy it because it really allows them to get involved in the community as well as be leaders and role models for the children- ‘The Littles’,” explained Bosi. The Littles look forward to seeing their “Big.”

“It is a wonderful experience, which lets the Mount students build a relationship with the “Littles.”

Whether it was citing bowling, being with other “Littles,” or doing activities with their mentor, each of those involved in the program expressed something positive gained from the experience. Sometimes, what was actually done was secondary to something even more special and lasting.

“I really like Nicole and doing the bowling,” said Howard, as she hugged her long-time “Big Sister.” “Most of all, I just like being with her.”

Coming close to the monetary goal of $28,000, Williams could not have been more pleased with the day’s outcome of seeing so many, children and adults enjoying themselves. In fact, that success has now catapulted to another potential bowling event in the works: so far, it will involve young adults and professionals and be held in Middletown.

“More details to come in the near future,” said a pleased Williams.