Swashbucklers from across the seven seas helped make Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake’s annual Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser another success.
In all, more than $34,000 was raised by teams of bowlers from local businesses and organizations.
“All the funds raised through Bowl for Kids Sake stay in Williams Lake to support local children’s programming,” BBBSWL executive directory Melissa Newberry said, noting the actual net income figure from the event won’t be known until later.
The three-day event, which ran from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2, featured a well-received Pirates of the Caribbean theme, which resulted in multiple creative costumes.
“We did not anticipate how much fun people would have with the theme this year,” she said. “The atmosphere at Cariboo Bowling Lanes was amazing. Some of the costumes knocked it out of the park.”
Newberry said the generosity of the community in their support with prizes, pledges and donations makes the organization proud to be a part of Williams Lake.
“All this support for Bowl for Kids Sake will, in turn support again, when the funds are used to help out local children and youth.”
This year’s top fundraiser was Inland’s Tana Nohr, who raised $1,930 and wins a stay for two donated by Retreat Wilderness Inn in Nimpo Lake that includes a flightseeing tour with Tweedsmuir Air.
Inland’s Sydney Freeman, the event’s second-highest fundraiser coming in at $970, will receive a pair of diamond earrings donated by United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo.
Karmen Smith of Barton Insurance raised $708 and wins a luggage set courtesy of All-Ways Travel.
Other winners were:
Most Enthusiastic Team: The Pirates of the Cariboo CRD team (Boston Pizza gift card)
Best Dressed Team: Shiver me Teachers! Exploring the Puddle team (Boston Pizza gift card)
Best Dressed Individual: Tammie Wilson of the Holy Bowlers (Boston Pizza gift card)
Door Prize Draw: Kyle Bradshaw (won an Easter basket courtesy of Hollywood Baskets)
Also, anyone who raised more than $400 was entered into the following draws:
Fourth prize: Debbie Seland from QTax Quality Tax Service won a shop vac from Inland
Fifth prize: Debbie Aschwanden from Johnson Meier Insurance won a gift basket from Shoppers Drug Mart
Sixth prize: Sarj Dodd from Williams Lake and District Credit Union won a $100 Safeway gift card
Seventh prize: Ashley and Brad Grimmer from Celtic Engineering won a $100 gift card from United Concrete and Gravel
Eighth prize: Latisha Kirechick won a $100 Safeway gift card.