‘Bowling for Kids’ Sake’ to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Taos and Colfax counties will soon host its biggest fundraiser of the year: “Bowling for Kids’ Sake.” 

The bowling events will take place April 7 and 8, but people who want to participate, contribute and have fun in the process should consider starting a team or joining one as soon as possible.

“It works basically as a peer-to-peer fundraising event,” said Karen Koyote, regional director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “A business or an individual can form a team. Teams are comprised of four people who individually or collectively raise $100 each for a total minimum raised of $400 per team.”

There are other ways to be involved. Businesses can sponsor the event and get recognition through a promotional sponsorship. They can also contribute an item or gift certificate to use for a raffle or prizes. Artists can decorate or paint a bowling pin, and individuals can volunteer at the event.

Virtual bowling

The first event will take place at the Angel Fire Resort on April 7 with sessions at 5 p.m. and possibly at 6 p.m. The second event will be in Taos at the KTAOS Solar Center on April 8 at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

“Because we don’t have a bowling alley [yet], we do Wii bowling, which is a fun video game version,” Koyote said. “Of course, next year we will do it in a real bowling alley. We can’t wait to play there,” she said, referring to the forthcoming “Gutters” bowling alley development expected to land in Taos later this year.

“They are wonderful parties,” Koyote said. “Every year, we have a different theme. This year, we are featuring the Wild West.”

The teams compete for the best cheer, best costume, most spirited group and other categories. There will also be a raffle and prizes for the individuals who raise the most money. Large business sponsors get hand-painted bowling pins.

The program

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationwide volunteer-supported program that pairs children and youth ages 5 to 18, called “littles,” with screened mentors called “bigs.” 

“It costs about $1,200 to support one match for one year,” Koyote said. “The money we raise stays in our counties to support Big Brothers Big Sisters programs here.”

For those interested in mentoring, the enrollment process is fairly simple.

“There is an application to fill out and Oralia Gonzalez, our program specialist, interviews the potential volunteers,” Koyote said. “She gathers information regarding any preferences that volunteers and families may have and she uses it to make the best possible match. She also sends in fingerprints and a background check on each potential volunteer.”

After the paperwork is done, Gonzalez matches the volunteer with his or her little.

“Right now, we need volunteers,” Koyote said. “We have little boys who are waiting. We also have ... big sisters waiting, so if we were to have a referral come through for a little sister, we could most likely match them up right away.”

The program is currently expanding in both Taos and Colfax counties. A “Bigs in Blue” program that involves the police departments and other first responders has been started.

Koyote’s goals for 2017 are to increase the number of matches in Colfax County by 12 and in Taos by 22.

“I would like to reach out to Taos Pueblo and get a program started there, as well as in Questa,” she said. “But to achieve all that, we need more volunteers right now.”

Ways to help

There are two ways in which volunteers can get involved with the organization: through a school-based or community-based program.

“In the first case, the volunteer goes to the school for an hour a week during the school year to support and mentor that young person,” said Koyote. “In the second, the volunteer sees the youth in the community, doing whatever activities that they enjoy doing together for about the same time commitment. In any case, Oralia provides ongoing program support to each volunteer on a monthly basis.”

Director Koyote

Koyote’s involvement with the program followed a natural route. She was working at the DreamTree Project before she became Big Brothers Big Sisters regional director for the Taos and Colfax regions last October.

“I was case manager for the transitional living program,” she said. “I noticed as I was working with the youth in that program that the residents who had the most resiliency and better outcomes in the program were the ones that often had mentors in their life. Afterwards, I found out that there has been research that backs this up. I became involved because I want youth to have that advantage and possibly prevent future trouble in their lives.”

Koyote earned a master’s degree in special education and another in counseling.

“I have been working with young people off and on my whole life,” she said. “And I want to help them have a better chance.”

To find out more and participate, go to bbbsmountainregion.org or call Koyote at (575) 779-0315.