The Big BrothersBig Sisters of DeKalb will be sponsoring a bowl-a-thon beginning March 15 to help support the program.

The “Big BrothersBig Sisters Bowl for Kid’s Sake” fundraiser will consist of volunteers from local businesses, schools and social agencies who will put together five-member teams, program Director Susan Petersen said.

The teams will then solicit pledges from sponsors. Participating lanes are Dekalb Recreation, 215 N. Fourth St.; Welcome Lanes, 1730 Sycamore Road; and Four Seasons Sports, 1745 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore. Each team will bowl one game, which will be free. The teams will then collect their pledges and donate them to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. According to Petersen, prizes will be awarded for the highest scores with the grand prize being a VCR or $300.

There will also be a bowl-a-thon for volunteers, parents and NIU students on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Four Seasons Sports.

Petersen also said The Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, which has 458 agencies nationwide, has designated Feb. 15 to 21 as National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Each year, programs all over the country celebrate by honoring those volunteers who have made the organization a success.

The DeKalb branch will celebrate with a pizza party on March l5 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pizza Villa, 824 W. Lincoln Hwy. All big brothers and sisters, little brothers and sisters and parents are invited.

Peterson said several NIU students are volunteers for the organization. “NIU students do such a fine job, we are very glad we can honor them in some way,” she said. NIU student Mike Cervenka has been with the program for three weeks.

Cervenka became interested in the program because his stepfather has a “little brother,” and meets with his little brother once or twice a week. “It’s rewarding for both little brother and big brother,” said Cervenka, who does not have a younger brother of his own.

Another example of NIU involvement is F. Stanford Wayne, associate professor for business education us administrative services, who has been involved with the program for nine months. Wayne said he feels the program “fills a gap between a father and a male role model. The program sets up definite goals and objectives for relationships, so both brothers can grow.”

According to Petersen, there are still 30 openings for people who want to have a little brother or sister. Those interested should call the Family Service Agency of Dekalb County, Inc. at 758-8616 for more information.