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In 2006, 77 children were matched with volunteer mentors in Sanilac County.

"Kids need extra adults in their lives that are there just for them," said Executive Director Sandy Gaudreau.

However, in order for Big Brothers Big Sisters to assist children, the organization needs some help of their own.

The ninth annual Bowl for Kid's Sake fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 21 at Liberty Lanes in Sandusky from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Together with donations, income from an agency operated thrift shop, and support from the United Way, the benefit is an important source of funding. Last year, 22 bowlers raised $1200.

"As the economy gets worse, it gets harder and harder for non-profits to raise bucks," Gaudreau said.

The organization encourages you to collect pledges and hit the lanes. One hundred percent of the money raised will be returned to programs in Sanilac County.

Bowlers 16 and over must contribute a minimum donation of $40. Those 15 and under are required to chip in at least $15.

Prizes are available, thanks to a contribution from Joe Klobucher, who founded the organization in Tuscola County over 30 years ago.

The top money earner will win $500, second place will take home $300 and third place will win $200. For each $5 raised, you will also receive a ticket in a drawing for $200.

Entry forms are available at the Sanilac County Kids Connection Office in Sandusky or by calling 1-888-683-2227.

The need is great. Thumb Area Big Brothers Big Sisters matched 313 children in Sanilac, Tuscola, and Huron counties last year. Approximately 56 kids remain on a waiting list without a match.

Several mentoring opportunities are available, including Lunch Buddies, a program where mentors each lunch with students at school once a week, and community based mentoring, in which mentors are encouraged to spend 3-6 hours each week participating in activities with their little brothers and sisters. The organization also offers Big for A Day, allowing adults and high school students to participate in just one activity with a child.

Currently, there are 71 lunch buddy pairs and six community mentoring matches in Sanilac County.

"Kids really enjoy it and adults do too," Gaudreau said. "I don't think adults realize how much they will get out of it."

The program is more than just fun. A 1992 nationwide study of children participating in the organization found that after eight months with the program, little brothers and sisters were getting along better with their families, less likely to skip school, more confident in their schoolwork, and less likely to begin using alcohol and drugs.

"We have statistical data that tells us what we thought was happening is happening," Gaudreau said. "Our business is friendships."