Big Brothers, Big Sisters of St. George hold Bowl-ympics fundraiser, seek volunteers to be mentors

ST. GEORGE — There comes a time in most people’s life when they need a big brother or a big sister.

At Dixie Bowl on Saturday morning, the St. George chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Utah held its annual Bowl-lympics fundraiser, the 2022 Bowl For Kids’ Sake, to encourage participation and enrollment in the program and to have some fun on the lanes.

Brandi Jolley, who serves as chief development officer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Salt Lake City, told St. George News they run this fundraiser as a nationwide event every year. 

“We do these across the nation with different Big Brothers and Big Sisters groups. This event is a big one,” she said. “We’re just down here supporting St. George and all of our fantastic staff and matches.”

A “match” occurs when a youngster aged 6-17 years old is paired with an adult mentor, called a brother or sister, who forms a helpful and nurturing relationship with the child or teenager to ensure they have a trusted resource and friend during difficult times.

Bowlers at the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl-ympics at Dixie Bowl, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2022 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

“Since the pandemic, the kids that we serve were some of the ones who were hit the hardest,” Jolley said. “The number of kids that we have on our waiting list just keeps getting higher, including in St. George. We’re just trying to serve everyone we can.”

Jolley estimated that the Southern Utah chapter of the organization serves approximately 150 children per year. The three chapters in Salt Lake City, St. George and Park City serve a combined total of 1,001 kids.

“What makes St. George a little bit different, or a little more unique, is the closeness of the community,” Jolley said. “There’s definitely a different feel here. … It’s a very close, tight-knit community and we’re happy to be a part of it.”

Mike Parsons, who serves as the fund development manager for the organization, told St. George News that Saturday’s event was the first one he had observed in St. George.

“There’s such a good attitude here, and such strong sponsor support,” Parsons said, noting that local sponsors Jones Paint & Glass and Watts Construction were vital in putting on Saturday’s event.

“A lot of people in the community know and help each other,” Parsons added. “Up in Salt Lake we’re still trying to get known, but here in St. George, everybody knows who we are and what we’re doing. It’s a real advantage.” 

Stephanie Lundgreen, Southern Utah Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters Utah, at the Bowl-ympics at Dixie Bowl, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2022 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

Stephanie Lundgreen, manager for the Southern Utah chapter, said there are 22 youngsters on their list right now who need mentors in St. George.

“We have a lot of people involved, but we definitely need more Big Brothers and (Big) Sisters,” Lundgreen said. “Adults and high school students can volunteer. It’s a year commitment. And you just meet with them a couple of hours, maybe two or three times a month, and go and do activities with them.”

She added that volunteers go through a thorough vetting process to find the best match with the right child.

“It allows us to get to know both the potential Little and Big, and to find out what their common interests are,” Lundgreen said. “And we go through a lot of trouble to hopefully make that perfect match and make sure that it will be a really good experience for both of them.”

Malik Animashaum became a Big Brother in 2018 when he was a student at Dixie State University and wanted to get some volunteer hours. He said he decided to keep doing it “because it was so rewarding for me.”

Animashaum described how he and his Little Brother hang out on weekends and go out and do fun things together.

“It’s been so rewarding and fulfilling,” he said. “Like you’re having an impact on a kid.”

Animashaum encouraged anyone who is interested to volunteer. Male volunteers, Big Brothers, are especially needed. Jolley estimated that 90% of the children on the waitlist for a mentor are boys.

“You’re making an impact on a kid’s life,” Animashaum said. “If someone else would have made that impact on your life, maybe it would make your life better, even if it’s by 1%.”

For more information or to volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister, visit their website.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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