Claremore bowlers may have had fun knocking down pins, but they were raising spirits and money for a good cause with the annual Bowl for Kids Sake.

As of Wednesday, $52,950 had been raised by Claremore teams for Big Brothers Big Sisters, according to Claremore Area Director Jessica Wilbourn.

“Our goal was $75,000, and the Claremore teams have done wonders at helping us near that,” Wilbourn said. “...we are so appreciative of all that the Claremore teams have done through their efforts.”

A “wrap-up party” was held on Tuesday to recognize Bowl for Kids Sake participants and sponsors.

Claremore bowlers who took home more than a sense of doing good for children included Lesly Orf, who won a new television, and Gary Webb, who took home a new stereo, both courtesy of Stanley’s Get it Today.

Wilbourn said the importance of Big Brothers Big Sisters is invaluable to young people in need of guidance and the attention given by an older mentor.

“Many people don’t realize the impact our organization has on children and young adults,” she said. “I think there’s also a misconception of the amount of time it takes to mentor — two to three hours a visit, three to four times a month. These young people need a mentor in their life to take them fishing, go on a walk or just hang out with, and these ‘at risk’ youth aren’t those in any kind of trouble — they’re just those who are facing obstacles that other young people aren’t, and need someone to spend the extra time with them that a big brother or sister would.”

BBBS has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people.

BBBS volunteers mentor children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. Currently, there are more than 20 young people in Claremore’s BBBS programs in need of mentors.

To volunteer or make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit BBBS at 426 East Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, OK, 74017, or write P.O. Box 1933, Claremore, OK, 74018.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, contact Wilbourn at 283-1397.