Bowlers strike up the fun

FINDLAY — Stacy Shaw said it doesn't matter if you're a pro or someone who's more comfortable using bumpers. The Children's Mentoring Connection executive director just wants bowlers to come out for the 43rd annual Bowling for Kids event. This family-friendly event is open to anyone, she said. "We accept anyone who can throw gutter balls. Pro bowlers, if they want to come, they're welcome to come as well," she said. "But we can put up the gutter guards if you want them. No judgement. If you want the ramp to help aim your ball, we do allow those, too." It's all part of one of the agency's signature fundraisers that will be held April 11 and 12 at AMF Sportsman Lanes, 616 Trenton Ave. Sessions are available both days at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. The goal this year is $100,000. Last year, the bowling event generated $96,000 for the agency. Registration is due by March 14. But if someone wants to register after that date and there's space available, they'll be allowed to bowl, said Shaw. "That just helps us with T-shirts because we have to get those orders in," she explained. The participate, form a team of up to five people. The goal for each of the teams is to raise $250. A T-shirt and shoes are included for each team member. A couple of lanes have been donated by the sponsors to allow any mentor/mentee match, past or present, to come throughout the weekend and bowl together for free. Call the office to see what times are available. "We have many teams that come back year after year," said Shaw. She said 110 teams bowled in 2025. "We've had little, little ones. We've had kids in little backpack carriers. And it's fun to watch the kids grow up," she said. "I know we have one team in particular that's bowled for us for several years, and they actually have a second team this year because they're bringing all their littles along." Shaw said it's basically takes an hour. "You come in, you bowl, and then a lot of times they'll go out to eat afterwards, grab lunch or something like that, or eat lunch first and then come over," she said. This year, America's 250th anniversary will be the theme. "We did well when we had the global event when we went along with the solar eclipse. So I thought, what a perfect time to do that," she said. "People do enjoy dressing up as a team and having some team comradery to that, so I'm hoping this will pull that in." She said teams could come wearing red, white and blue or dressed as their favorite person from history. "The sky's the limit as far as what your creativity is," she said. The announcer will pick the team he thinks meets the theme the best, and they will receive a small award. Shaw said they're also bringing back the Battle Teams — friendly competitions between groups to see which raises the most funds to earn bragging rights and the trophy for a year. This year the battles include: Battle of the Banks, Battle of the Brokerages, Battle of the Dentists, Battle of the Schools and Battle of the Attorneys, There will door prizes, 50/50 drawings and raffle baskets. "All of the money stays local to serve youth involved with Children's Mentoring Connection in Hancock County and support the school-based program and community programs as well as help with the newest project which was the Fun Shop we opened last year," said Shaw. The Fun Shop provides an opportunity for children in the program to work with their mentors to build items like bird feeders, cornhole boards and candy dispensers. Shaw said the agency offers projects for the mentors and mentees to do together so they don't always have to come up with ideas on their own. "I think we've helped a lot with having our activities and with the Fun Shop," she said. A child can be mentored by an individual, a couple or a family, she said. "So really whatever works best for you and the time commitment, and really we can work around what your schedule is," said Shaw. A second signature fundraiser called Uncorked and Unplugged is held in the fall. This is an evening of fine wine, craft beer, food and live music benefitting CMC. The agency is also a United Way partner agency and teams up with other nonprofits and businesses in the community to be able to allow youth to have opportunities they might not normally have. To bowl, register a team or become a sponsor, visithttps://www.bowlathon.net/event/cmc-bowling-for-kids-2026/ Different levels of sponsorship are available. For more information, check the website or call 419-424-9752. Kathy and Garry Peiffer are featured sponsors of the event.