Bowling may not be the weekly community event it once was, but Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County is still making it an annual tradition.

The 14th annual Bowl for Kids Sake returns to Coupeville’s Ebey Bowl in May, and teams are needed to fundraise for the youth mentorship program.

“We are looking for bowlers between Deception Pass Bridge (and) the Clinton ferry to help us raise money for much needed youth mentoring across the island,” said Peggy Dyer, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, in a statement.

Two dates are scheduled for the bowling competition: May 12 at Ebey Bowl and May 19 at Oak Bowl. And though both events are on Central and North Whidbey, the program’s leaders are hoping a few South End teams will assemble, too.

“Even though we’re bowling in Coupeville and Oak Harbor, we do need South Whidbey teams to come bowl and raise money,” said Michaela Marx Wheatley, Big Brothers Big Sisters South Whidbey site director.

“We’re running a very strong, very important program on the South End and we want the South Whidbey community represented at the event.”

Team captains assemble teams of five bowlers who are asked to raise at least $100 for the mentorship program. The daylong bowling pits teams against each other, while pizza and beverages are provided, and raffle and door prizes can be won. Funds are used to support mentors and group activities.

In past bowls, businesses, law enforcement, firefighters, students and Navy squadrons have fielded teams, as well as Whidbey residents who wanted to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. Individuals who want to bowl but don’t have a team may contact the nonprofit organization at bbbs@whidbey.net or 360-279-0644.

The annual bowling fundraiser is one of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ important sources of revenue.

“Since we began this agency, we have served more than 3,500 kids on this island,” Dyer said. “This would not have been possible without the support of our community. Now, more than ever, we need the community to step up and continue this support as we are matching more children than ever before.”

Sign up to bowl

Individuals who want to bowl, but don’t have a team, can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at bbbs@whidbey.net or

360-279-0644.