It may not be an actual tropical vacation, but with the theme of “Luau on the Lanes,” the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake is the next best thing.

The fundraiser benefits Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters, which serves youth in Marshall County.

“Being a non-profit, all of our sources of funding are unpredictable — whether grant funding or through United Way,” Executive Director Lynne Carroll said.

That’s why donations and fundraisers can make a big difference.

The goal is to bring in $18,000 from this event, which kicked off last Friday and Saturday and continues this Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wayward Social.

Each bowler must raise a minimum of $60 to participate. A team consists of four to six people. Business sponsorships and opportunities are available.

“The Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. bowling is full, but we still have some room on March 9 at 7 p.m.,” she said. “Call the office if you want to sign up.”

People are invited to wear tropical-themed clothing and accessories.

“Everybody will get a lei. With their donation, they will get two hours of bowling and free shoe rental,” she said.

You will also get a bowling Bingo card to win various prizes.

“We have excellent bowlers who can bowl a turkey — which is three strikes in a row — and they could win a free turkey,” she added.

You don’t have to be a mentor to bowl. Corporate sponsors and their employees and families are welcome, as is the general public.

“Corporate sponsors help sustain us,” she said.

Carroll pointed out that every dollar donated to the organizations stays local.

There are about 30 children or “littles” on the waiting list seeking a match or a “big.”

“We never run out of kids, but we do run out of mentors,” she said.

Most of those on the list are boys looking to be matched in the community-based program.

“We just have fewer numbers of men volunteering. That’s across the country,” she said.

Carroll added that some couples have signed up to be mentors.

“There are some real pluses to that,” she noted. “If one isn’t available, the other is able to do something with the little. It’s also a really positive thing for kids to have an opportunity to see a couple’s relationship — and see a different kind of family relationship than what they’ve experienced.”

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to entertain your little. Many enjoy being incorporated into family events, dinnertime or tasks around the house such as learning a new skill.

BBBS made 143 matches in 2023. Its school-based program is in the Marshalltown School District, West Marshall and BCLUW. You must be 16 or older to be a school-based program mentor and 18 or older to be a community-based program mentor. Those interested in becoming mentors must fill out an application and undergo a background check.

Youth in BBBS are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 52% less likely to skip school, 37% less likely to skip a class and 33% less likely to hit someone, compared to those not in the program, according to data obtained from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

To register for Bowl For Kids’ Sake, visit: www.heartofiowabigs.org/bfks or call 641-753-6370 or email: heartofiowamentoring@gmail.com