​What is Bowl for Kids' Sake?

Bowl for Kids' Sake (BFKS) is a team fundraising event, similar to a 5k fundraiser. But instead of celebrating with a 5k, we celebrate with a night bowling! To participate, you simply need to register, raise money, and come bowl! Bowlers will enjoy two games of bowling (shoes and ball rental included), a free t-shirt, and a fun night with games, raffles, and more!​ ​​BFKS is the perfect way for individuals and companies to have fun while also making a BIG impact on our community.

When and where is BFKS?

Bowling is back! This year, after a two-year hiatus from our in-person bowling events, we are excited to gather in-person. We will have three different bowling events, so pick the date and place that is most convenient for you and your team. ​

Thursday, April 14th 6-8pm at Bowl-a-Vard Lanes (2121 East Springs Drive, Madison)

Thursday, April 21st 6-8pm at Ten Pin Alley (6285 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg)

Thursday, April 28th 6-8pm at Schwoegler's Park Towne Lanes (444 Grand Canyon Drive, Madison)

​How do I register for BFKS?

Registering online is easy! Click here to Register. Adults are $25, Bigs in our program are $15, and kids are free. After you've registered, your fundraising page will be automatically generated. 

How does the fundraising work?

Fundraising typically happens in the month leading up to your bowling night, and then your BFKS night is a chance to gather with your team and celebrate your success! So, no need to wait--start your fundraising efforts today! Once you register, your personal fundraising page is live and we encourage you to share your page with friends, family, peers and colleagues. Teams that raise at least $500 will receive a pizza and pitcher of their choice during their BFKS night, so get fundraising!

​Can I receive donations even if they're not made through my fundraising page (check, cash, Venmo, etc.)?

Yes! All donations received outside your fundraising page are considered "offline donations." The most common types are:

-Cash, check, or Venmo from a friend

-Donations raised through a social media fundraiser, like Instagram (NOTE: Facebook Fundraisers sync with our software and do not have to be entered as "offline donations." Make sure to link your Facebook account so your donations will be automatically added to your fundraising page.)

-Gifts made through your company’s preferred giving portal

While these donations may not come to us right away, they can still be counted on your fundraising page, but you MUST manually enter them. To enter your offline donation, login to your OneCause fundraising page, click the drop down menu in the top right corner and click "Manage My Page". On the left hand side of this page, select the option that says "Raise at least $ (whatever your goal is)." At the top, there will be a tab that says "Enter Cash/Checks" and this is where you can enter information. Please make a note about the source of your offline donation (Venmo, mailed check, etc.). 

If I receive a Venmo donation, how do I pass it along to BBBS?

If folks donate to your team via Venmo, you can easily send it directly to our BBBS Venmo account (@BBBSDC). Make sure to include a note with your team name so we can match it up with your offline donation.                

​If I have a donor who wants to pay via check, who should they make their checks out to?

All checks can be made out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County and sent to our office: ​
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
2059 Atwood Ave. #2
Madison, WI 53704

​Do I need to personalize my donation page?

Yes! People who personalize their fundraising pages are typically able to raise much more than those who don't, so take advantage of the opportunity to share why you're involved with BFKS and why mentoring matters to you.

My Company Coordinator/Team Captain already registered my team--how do I join?

To join a team that is already registered, click here to see all teams and type in the team name that you would like to join. If you don't see your team registered, double check with your Company Coordinator/Team Captain to make sure they have registered.

Any suggestions on how to fundraise?

Use social media: post often on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Ask for donations, let your friends know how far you are from hitting your goal, and thank your donors publicly.

Ask about company matches: many companies will match an employee's contribution to a charity. Ask your HR director or supervisor if your company will make a donation to your team or match your personal contribution.

Plan a small fundraiser: host an online fundraiser and invite your friends, family and coworkers. Examples include bake sale deliveries, jeans day at work, or virtual trivia nights. Get creative!

What if my team doesn't reach the fundraising goal?

Fundraising goals are set by you and your team, so shoot for the stars, but know that we'll celebrate all your successes, big or small. Visit the fundraising tips page to learn more ways you can raise BIG!

Why is the "Donate" search not finding the bowler I want to support?

Make sure you're spelling the name of your bowler correctly. You must type in the first or last name of the bowler exactly as registered. Still not showing up? Your bowler might not be registered yet. Confirm they're registered, then try again.

Where does the money raised at BFKS go?

100% of the money raised through BFKS stays in our community. We depend on the money raised at BFKS to carry out the work of carefully matching children with caring adult mentors and providing ongoing support to the child, volunteer mentor, and the child's family. Check out the About Our Impact page on our website for more information.

Have more questions?

Contact the Community Engagement & Events Manager, Bethany Ordaz at bordaz@bbbsmadison.org or (608) 661-5437 x1111.