SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Every day across our state, hundreds of young boys and girls long for a friend, someone to spend some fun time with and to learn from.
Fortunately, Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah is filling some of that gap. But in our down economy, the agency's needs are greater than ever. This weekend you can take action and help make a difference in an annual event called Shake, Rattle and Bowl.
For Brent Walton of West Valley City, spending time with his little brother Mason, is a way to give back to the community.
And Mason, 8 is always excited when he knows his Big Brother has something planned. Among their favorite activities, "We go bowling We disc golf and play minature golf," he says.
Brent and Mason were matched through Utah's Big Brothers Big Sisters agency more than two years ago. These two buddies get together an average once a week.
Brent says, "I think it's just about being a positive role model and being consistent, saying I'm going to be there, and (then) be there."
Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah handles nearly 19-hundred matches. And there is always a need for more, for boys and girls, but especially for young, often fatherless boys who need a mentor and a friend in their lives.
"When the volunteer and family feel supported, you don't have to think about it, you don't have to be pressured into it being more than hanging out and having fun," says Linda Schott, marketing director of BBBS Utah.
The biggest fundraiser of the year for BBBS Utah is the Bowl for Kids' Sake, playfully dubbed Shake, Rattle and Bowl. This year's goal is 75-thousand dollars, all of which gets put back into maintaining and creating new matches, as well as new memories.
Brent and Mason are on one of 150 teams this year, ready to don their bowling shirts and shoes.
There's still time to donate online or sign up a five-member team by following the links in this article.
