Students will have the chance to bowl for kids Monday and Tuesday as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Bowl for Kids’ Sake event.

BBBS held their 30th annual Bowl For Kids Sake at Mardi Gras Lanes, 1730 Sycamore Road Saturday. They will hold another event from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Huskie Den in the Holmes Student Center.

Each bowling team pledges funds in order to participate in the event.

Patti Comegys, director of the local BBBS, said this event is a way to give back to the supporters. It brings in 65 percent of the money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“The turn out has been declining for the pass couple of years, but it’s because of the economy,” said Courtney Denison, mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Comegys said they are grateful for those who attend BBBS events to help support the group. Fundraisers like the Bowl for Kids’ Sake event help with cost while providing funding for activities services and more programs sponsored through Family Service Agency, Comegys said. They also support the matches between the mentors and mentees; every pairing costs around $1,200.

Black Male Initiative (BMI), an organization on campus, turned out for the event and is one of the many volunteer groups for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“I’m glad BMI had the opportunity to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Josh Singleton, sophomore fiance major and BMI member. “I hope it is just the beginning.”

Comegys said Big Brothers Big Sisters has been in DeKalb for 40 years.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters has…served nearly 1,000 children with the knowledge that there are more to be served,” Comegys said.

Comegys said the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is beneficial to everyone involved.

“These programs are vital to the community,” Comegys said. “They reach out to families and the youth so everyone is a winner.”

Comegys said she hopes to get a great support from NIU students at the upcoming event.

“It doesn’t take much to be a mentor,” Comegys said. “The fact that they show up is the first step. As long as there are people willing to participate in the group we will always find funding and a place to do it.”