Be a Hero Bowl-A-Thon Gears Up to Raise $10,000

DECORAH - When was the last time you bowled? When was the last time you did something to positively change the life of a local youth? Now, you can do both things at the same time.

Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is hosting a bowl-a-thon on Sunday, March 19, at Oneota Lanes in Decorah. This event aims to raise $10,000 to connect local youth with a trusted role model. This year’s theme, “Be a Hero” emphasizes the need the community has for everyday heroes: volunteer youth mentors. Youth Mentoring will use all proceeds to equip mentors with the training and tools needed to develop rich relationships with local youth. You can be involved in two important ways: register to bowl and/or donate to the cause. 

“This fundraiser is a great time for community members to have some fun with their co-workers, friends, and neighbors by raising money for a worthy cause and have fun bowling together,” states Kathy Schwartzhoff, mentoring coordinator at Helping Services.

Registration is now open at www.helpingservices.org/herobowl. Form a team of four members, or sign up to bowl individually, and Helping Services will pair you with others. Bowling times are 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. After registering, bowlers are asked to seek donations of $50 or more to support the mission of Youth Mentoring.  Donations can be collected in person and online.  

Join this wonderful cause. Awaken your inner hero! Wear your cape or your superhero shirt (if you like) and bring your donations to Oneota Lanes in Decorah. Now is the time to strike up a conversation with your friends, neighbors, club members, and co-workers about this exciting event that supports youth already in mentoring relationships. Donations will also allow Helping Services to connect even more youth with a positive role model.

If you do not wish to bowl, you can still be involved. When asked to give by a bowling team member, please be generous. Your contribution is not only tax-deductible, but it gives youth a person in their life that is there for them, and it opens up opportunities for youth to have new experiences. If no one asks you to give, you can donate by visiting www.helpingservices.org/herobowl. 

Helping Services thanks the several area businesses that have already contributed towards the $10,000 Be a Hero bowl-a-thon goal. Randy’s CARQUEST Auto Parts has made a strike by being the lead contributor with donations exceeding $300.  Businesses that have made a difference by contributing in the $100 category are Alliant Energy; CIA Insurance; Decorah Bank & Trust; Decorah Chevrolet & Cadillac; Don’s Sales & Service; Family Table; Gosch’s Plumbing & Heating; Gundersen Health System, Integrated Therapy Specialists; Martin Funeral Home; O’Henry’s Stitches-N-Prints; Waukon Greenhouse; and Ziegler CAT. 

“We appreciate all who are heroic participants and donors involved with this bowl-a-thon benefiting local youth and mentors,” shares Kathy Schwartzhoff. Mentors spend 4–5 hours per month with their youth, doing activities they both enjoy. Short-term mentoring opportunities, which require even less of a time commitment, are also available and help provide rich experiences for area youth. No flying, super-strength, or x-ray vision is needed to become a mentor. For more information on how you can become involved in this rewarding volunteer opportunity or how you can help out at the bowl-a-thon, contact Kathy Schwartzhoff at kathys@helpingservices.org or (563) 387-1720.  

Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.