Bowling for big bucks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  After an afternoon of bowling, Team McConnell raised $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita, Kan., July 8, 2011 as part of the annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraising campaign.

McConnell is one of Kansas' largest contributors to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, raising funds throughout the year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationwide mentoring program which matches adult "Bigs" with children who are in need of a positive role-model.

Bowl for Kids' Sake began in Wichita 24 years ago, and has been locally spearheaded by the 349th Air Refueling Squadron for the past several years. The 2011 bowling fundraiser was held at Tornado Alley bowling center in the Robert J. Dole Community Center.

The 349th ARS is very involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said 1st Lt. Brad Seehawer, 349th ARS scheduling officer. We not only raise money, we give base tours and during the Christmas season we have a gift event as well.

"The commitment McConnell has made to us over the years is amazing," said Mark Eby, Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director for Sedgwick County. "The support is tremendous."

The money raised from bowling goes to support the matching-process between eligible mentors and a "Little." Total donations for the fundraiser so far this year exceed $200,000.

In addition to monetary donations, Team McConnell Airmen donate personal time to mentoring individual children. Approximately 40 Airmen are matched with a Little in Sedgwick County.

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 6,500 children each year.

"These are kids who have no idea what is out there," said Eby. "We give them that knowledge."

After a 20 year relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Team McConnell has played an influential role in the lives of many Littles. As a result of positive matches between Littles in Sedgwick County and Airmen Bigs from McConnell, several children have gone on to join the Air Force, said Eby.


"Team McConnell has been the best," said Eby. "Everything is organized and done correctly so we don't have to worry about running an event, we can worry about the kids."