Big Brothers, Sisters bowl for kids

BANGOR – It’s not just about the bowling, it’s about the fun, as more than 250 people discovered recently when they participated in Catholic Charities Maine’s Downeast Big Brothers Big Sisters 20th annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake. The event raised more than $11,000 to support youth mentoring programs in the Greater Bangor-Brewer community.

The Catholic Charities event was held in two locations: Family Fun Lanes in Bangor, and Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes in Brewer.

One group of bowlers special to the program was made up of students from Bangor High School, who also are Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Sidekicks mentoring program located at Downeast Elementary School in Bangor. The BHS students take the time to help recruit new mentors each year and help run the program.

Members of the Anah Shrine clown unit stopped by to entertain the bowling teams. By the end of the day nine clowns had joined the event.

Gov. John E. Baldacci attended the event to bowl, talk with participants and have his picture taken. He bowled one match with Charlie Milan, owner of Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes, and team members Big Brother Don Curtis and his Little Brother, Anthony.

Masters of ceremony were Andy Meucci, owner of Family Fun Lanes, and Big Brother Christopher Olsen.

For information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, write Andrew Matlins, program director, Catholic Charities Maine Big Brother Big Sisters, 1066 Kenduskeag Ave., Bangor ME 04401, or call 941-2855.