Slip on your bowling shoes and make your way to Petro Bowl. The most fun fundraiser in Southwest Louisiana is returning soon. Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2024 is Saturday, Aug. 17.

Over 100 teams of six will gather at the bowling alley to compete against each other, raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana in the process.

For 38 years, BBBS-SWLA has hosted Bowl for Kids’ Sake to raise funds that are necessary for the organization’s operations. BBBS-SWLA’s programs serve over 400 children across seven parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Vernon and Rapides.

“These fundraisers not only sustain our current efforts, but also enable us to expand and reach even more youth in need,” said Julia Tassin, marketing and development manager, BBBS-SWLA.

The day will be filled with “fun, music and laughter.” In celebration of BBBS-SWLA’s 45th anniversary, Bowl for Kids’ Sake’s theme this year is “Battle of the Bands.” Bowlers are encouraged to wipe the dust from their rockin’ ‘80s attire and dress to impress.

“We wanted to do something special,” she said. “The Battle of the Bands theme lets us tap into the vibrant energy of 80s music, making the day even more fun and memorable.”

Each team will bowl for one and a half hours on a reserved lane. There are four-time slots: 9 to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. To amp up the fun, there will be many mini-games for the bowlers.

This year’s fundraising goal is $130,000. Tassin said they have almost raised $100,000.

“While raising the remaining $30,000 by Saturday is ambitious, we’re working tirelessly to reach our goal.”

130 teams with a $500 fundraising goal have signed up for Bowl for Kids’ Sake. The registration fee is $360. In addition to the reserved lane, the fee secures two beer tickets and a snack for each bowler. The eight teams that raise the most money will receive prize packages donated by local establishments.

There are still team slots available for the 9 a.m., and 1 and 3 p.m. sessions.

To sign up, visit bbbsswla.org/bowl-kids-sake.