PITTSFIELD — On April 11, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts (BBBSWM) supporters took to the alleys of K&M Bowling in Pittsfield. The event is meant to celebrate the volunteer fundraisers who support the agency’s programming throughout the region at the first of three Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS) events.

“Our team is excited to participate in our second BFKS fundraiser to expand awareness of the work of BBBSWM and the life-changing impact mentoring can have on youth and their families,” said Stacy Parsons, the newest member of the BBBSWM board and captain of the Jury’s Still Out fundraising team. “Folks have created raffles, hosted trivia events, and reached out to their friends and family to raise funds that go back into our communities. It’s amazing to see our efforts make such a difference in the lives of children throughout the Berkshires.”

All funding raised will be used by BBBSWM to support youth programming across Western Mass.

“I am thankful to the volunteers, fundraisers, community members, donors, staff, and our board members for playing their part in this event. We’d also like to thank our presenting sponsor, Country Bank, for making any of this possible at all,” BBBSWM CEO David Beturne said. “It isn’t always the right time to volunteer as a mentor. Events like Bowl for Kids’ Sake are a great way to volunteer with us until you feel ready to support a kid in the community.”

Two more events are scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at French King Bowling in Erving, and Wednesday, May 6 (with a corporate mixer-focused event) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bowlero in Chicopee. Those interested in registering should visit beacons.ai/bbbswm.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The youth empowerment nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts (BBBSWM) invites the public to help fund programs that support kids in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties through the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS) fundraiser.

“BFKS is the signature fundraiser for BBBSWM, so we’re thrilled to bring it to Berkshire County for the first time,” said Chris Thompson, chief growth officer of BBBSWM. “We’ve been working closely with local businesses and organizations to expand our programs in the region. Bringing this event to Pittsfield is a great way to celebrate and thank our new partners.”

BBBSWM CEO David Beturne added that “this event is also about reminding people about the work we do. We hope people will share the positive impact mentorship has on kids and the role that BBBSWM plays in supporting these relationships. Whether you’ve volunteered or been a child in one of our programs yourself, we want to hear about how this work has helped you or someone you love.”

Each of the three events will run from 10 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays: April 19 K&M Bowling in Pittsfield, April 26 at Shaker Bowl in East Longmeadow, and May 3 at French King Bowling in Erving.

Those interested in supporting BBBSWM’s mission can click here to register their team and get tips on how to engage their own networks to join in supporting their bowling team.

BBBS creates connections between children (‘littles’) with qualified and vetted mentors (‘bigs’) in the community to create fulfilling relationships. BBBS monitors all matches to ensure that safety standards are upheld and the relationship is positive and empowering for the children involved.