Nearly 90 bowlers took part in the 17th annual "Bowl for Kid's Sake" bowl-a-thon held Saturday at Fritz's Lanes and Pro Shop, Second and South streets, Lehighton.

The event was coordinated by the Advisory Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge serving Carbon County.Sixteen teams of bowlers took part in the event. After turning in their pledges, team members bowled a game and were served refreshments by Big Brother/Big Sister board members. They were also presented prizes based on their donations.Mary Schell, caseworker, said there are presently seven matches in Carbon County and approximately 15 more "littles" are hoping that a caring adult mentor is found."We ask our big brothers/big sisters to spend an hour to two hours a week with their "little."Schell works out of the Hazleton office of Big Brothers Big Sisters on a part-time basis.Schell said the funds raised during the bowl-a-thon will be used to recruit, train and supervise volunteers and to match the volunteers with a "little.""This is our major fundraiser," said Schell.Mentors must be at least 16 years old and have a driver's license. All adults mentors are screened and undergo background checks to ensure the safety of the children.Dinkey Memorial Church, St. John Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church youth groups support the event every year.Sponsors of the event were: Attorney William Schwab, Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce, Jim Thorpe National Bank, R.F. Ohl Fuel and local businesses.Volunteers are needed as board members and as mentors. Those who missed the event and want to support the program can send donations to: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Bridge, 214 West Walnut Street, Hazleton, PA 18201. For additional information, call 1 (800) 955-4376.