There were open lanes for Big Brothers Big Sisters Williams Lake (BBBSWL) fundraiser Bowl for Kids' Sake this year, but those who did come were successful fundraisers.
Kaitlyn Saunders, executive director of BBBSWL, said the sponsors were great and the event still raised more than $17,000 for the organization.
"It went well, considering the low team turnout," she said.
Twenty-one teams registered to play, and the participants had room to spread out at Cariboo Bowling Lanes. Saunders said the organization will look at reducing Bowl for Kids' Sake to one day and are looking to pivot a bit and try an event in the fall as well.
Saunders didn't want to reveal their plans at this point, but said people should look out for something later in the year to once again support youth in reaching their potential.
But despite the lower numbers of participants, there was plenty of fun to be had and lots of prizes for those who did come out to help support youth at risk.
Each year, people are invited to enter teams of up to six players to bowl in the entertaining tournament, fundraising for their entry by seeking sponsorship.
This year's theme was "disco" and the cosmic bowling was made all the more animated through the injection of a whole lot of glitter, sparkles and sequins on some of the costumes.
Bowl for Kids Sake has historically been the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization, which helps pair youth with older mentors as a way to help youth at risk reach their potential.
Saunders said BBBSWL is in a period of expansion and is hoping to increase their impact in the community. She said the organization is always "on the hunt for more volunteers" and encouraged anyone interested to reach out for more information.
"Our In-school mentoring program has had great success this year with the oversight of our Program Manager, Paris Masters," said Saunders. She said they introduced some new programs, including an after-school STEM program (short for science, technology, engineering and math) and group programs in elementary schools.
"We continue to build momentum with more new programs on the horizon, new and exciting fundraising events for the community to participate in and a great team of employees to execute our mission," said Saunders.
