(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – After the first Sensory Friendly Bowl for Kids’ Sake in 2019, it was discovered it was the first of its kind across Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters!
Last year, a Sensory Friendly event was added to the line up for the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, along with the traditional
community bowls which is where participants celebrate their fundraising efforts at a party complete with bowling, pizza, and prizes.
As the event got off the ground last year and our local BBBS agency reached out to the larger Big Brothers Big Sisters network for ideas, it became clear this was not something that had been done before. “We wanted to provide this additional option so that all of the children we serve and organizations we partner with would have the opportunity to participate” comments Olivia Scally, Director of Development and
Marketing at BBBS.
The agency was proud of this initiative and felt it was important to continue the Sensory
Friendly Bowl for the 2020 campaign. This year, the agency has teamed up with TuscBDD to make the event more accessible and to assist in spreading the word.
The Sensory Friendly Bowl For Kids’ Sake will take place on Friday, March 27th at
Boulevard Lanes. There are currently two-time slots available. Participants can bowl from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. In addition to what is included in the original community bowl events, the sensory friendly date will feature hands-on activities provided by STEAM Centers, fewer bowlers per lane, a quiet zone, adapted sound and lights at the alley, additional volunteers to assist with registration and
schedule, and more.
The partnership with the TuscBDD was a natural fit, with the Sensory Bowl occurring during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March). “We enjoy working alongside Big Brothers Big -moreBig Brothers Big Sisters Continues First National Sensory Friendly Bowl for Kids’ Sake with Support of Tusc County Board of DD Sake, p. 2
Sisters to increase developmental disabilities awareness and advocacy efforts” expressed TuscBDD Community Relations/Special Projects Director, Kerri Silverthorn.
“Through relationships like this, creative ideas for opportunities that include everyone are formed and can encourage families to explore their community in a comfortable
environment.” A collaboration was reached where everyone receiving services through TuscBDD can register free of charge. The vision is that everyone in the community can join the event. Big Brothers Big Sisters simply asks that any providers, groups or businesses that want to fundraise or make a contribution on behalf of these participants contact Big Brothers Big Sisters so that arrangements can be made.
“We are excited at the potential here as we work with TuscBDD and open up the event for more participation and community involvement. While the event is part of our campaign, the goal for this date is really to just provide an opportunity for anyone to join us and get involved. Anyone can help us defend potential.” Scally adds, “We invite anyone to come out on this date and participate.
While the environment will be beneficial to a number of individuals, we would love to see any members of our community bowl alongside these participants.” Businesses and offices that want to support the event can host dress down days, bake sales, or other events to raise money on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
If you are interested in participating in the Sensory Friendly Bowl For Kids’ Sake or supporting the campaign, contact Kerri Silverthorn at 330-339-9683 or ksilverthorn@tuscbdd.org or Olivia Scally at 330-339-6916 or oscally@bigs4kids.com.
