The Mother Gutters were not feeling particularly confident during the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser held in the Multi-Tainment Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel on Saturday morning.
“Can we put up the little bumper rails?” Miranda Moore said with a laugh.
Mayor Tim Radford of the Political Pins joined Moore with even loftier expectations.
“I’m going to treat it like a golf game, so the lowest score is the best,” he said.
However, there were other teams who felt ready to strike. The Average Joes intended to “deceive everyone” with their name, according to Kellen Rumfelt.
“Because we are the best, no question,” he said.
Krystal Harrington of the Lowe’s team brought her own lucky pink ball.
“My husband bought it hoping I’d become a bowler,” she said with a laugh.
In all, 16 teams competed to raise funds and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Senior program coordinator
Gloria Dockery was thrilled with the community support.
“We’re all going to have so much fun,” she predicted.
While the teams weren’t necessarily raucous, they were certainly boisterous. Peggy Wells laughed when asked for a quote.
“As far as I know, I don’t have any warrants,” she said, causing her Lane Busters teammates to raise their Irish coffees in laughter.
Split Happens filled its roster with five educators.
“Every classroom has a child who is benefitting from the BBBS program,” Dianna Peterson said. “They love it when their Bigs come spend time with them.”
Along with the Average Joes, the National Honor Society populated their team with all Bigs. Harper Martin has served as a Big for one year.
“I like my little brother,” he said. “He has interests that are similar to mine.”
Martin said he is teaching his Little how to play soccer.
The AmeriCorps team also competed with all Bigs. Project Mars program director Katie Snow said her volunteers worked hard and she was happy to participate, giving them a chance to kick back and have fun.
Dorian Palmer, vice president of philanthropy for BBBS, said, “I’m overwhelmed and grateful for the community support.”
He added that he loved being a part of the BBBS organization. “I’m excited to serve the kids, and ignite the potential and promise of the youth.”
The event raised $8,869, just shy of the $10,000 goal. The money is used to fund their programs, including a one-to-one mentorship program serving 60-plus kids in Cherokee County. Additionally, three Bigs will receive a $500 scholarship.