Bowling for a Good Cause in Warminster

This weekend might not have been the best for outdoor activities, so more than 150 people found something worthwhile to do indoors. All of them were in the mood for bowling, fun and raising money at in Warminster Friday night.

Sue Gelb, director of events for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, said the event is one of the organization's biggest fundraisers. Money raised is distributed within the organization for various programs and training.  Based out of Jamison, BBBS covers the entire Bucks County area, from Levittown to Quakertown, serving about 1,400 children.

Thunderbird Lanes on Street Road  has been home to many fundraisers over the years. Owner Elaine Brumberg welcomes groups to raise funds with bowling parties and will help in any way she can.

Brumberg, very new to bowling, also joined in the fun with a few friends.

This was the third year at Thunderbird Lanes for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Every year gets bigger,” said Gelb, adding they raised approximately $3,000.

The biggest fundraiser of the year, however, is their Bowl for Kids Sake event in March and April, also held at Warminster's Thunderbird Lanes.  The day's activities include bowling, face painting, radio and sports personalities, food and runs from 10 am until 9pm. The day is a celebration of the year's fund raisers and the event itself raises about $90,000.

Gelb said they get a lot of volunteers and many come back to tell them how rewarding the experience was for not only the children but for them. Volunteers are mostly adults whose children have grown and they want to make a difference in another child's life. The “Bigs” (what they call adult volunteers) are mentors, said Gelb. They must be at least 18 years old but there is no ceiling on age limit.

Other fundraisers held by the group include a Golf Outing on June 13 (tickets still available) at in Ivyland and an Evening for Kids' Sake which is a celebration of Bucks County's kids. This event will be held October 28 at Spring Mill Manor.

For information or to purchase tickets, please contact Sue Gelb at gelb@bbbsbc.org or phone: 215-343-8260 ext. 110.

You can visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County on the web.