Upcoming bowl events strive for $125,000

Debbie Massey became guardian to her three young grandchildren under terrible circumstances two years ago.

&#8220I was sitting at home when a social worker called me and asked if I could come get my grandkids,” she said. &#8220There was drinking and drugs in their house” and the children had been left with an elderly grandparent who was unable to care for them.

At first, the children were uncontrollable, had trouble in school and low self-esteem.

Then, Massey contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Kentucky, a nonprofit organization where workers matched the oldest children with mentors.

Soon, the &#8220bigs” and the children were close, and the children’s behaviors and attitudes changed.

Now, &#8220they don’t seem like the same children,” Massey said. &#8220I thank the bigs for all they have done for me.”

Massey told her story this morning at an Applebee’s breakfast to promote the organization’s biggest local fundraiser – Rivendell Bowl for Kids’ Sake, where teams will raise money at three bowl-a-thons in February and March.

Andy Shultz, mentor to Massey’s grandson Jerodius, sat with Massey at the event. He said he loves hanging out with Jerodius, while his friend Lindsay Pemberton is a mentor to Jerodius’ sister La’Jada.

Shultz said he likes helping kids make the right decisions.

Dana Brown, chief executive officer of the organization, said the money will help provide volunteer mentors to local children, 1,400 of whom have been identified as needing a mentor in Warren County.

The group hopes to raise $125,000 at bowling events at Western Kentucky University’s Downing University Center on Feb. 21; Southern Lanes in Bowling Green on Feb. 25; and Highlander Bowl in Glasgow on March 11.

Todd Holder, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police in Bowling Green, is looking forward to bowling at Southern Lanes against longtime Bowl For Kids’ Sake rival, the Bowling Green Police Department.

&#8220We realize this is an opportunity to help kids,” he said.

Last year, the event raised about $122,500, according to Special Events Director Robin Pemberton.

– For more information about forming a Bowl For Kids’ Sake team or sponsoring the event, call 781-1180 in Bowling Green, (270) 651-7601 in Glasgow or (270) 622-0602 in Scottsville.