Fundraising Events

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters largest national fundraiser, raising over $20 million annually for children in need across the country. 

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a fun and easy way to positively impact a child’s life. Because of Bowl for Kids’ Sake, more Bigs and Littles can be paired up, more friendships can be created and improved outlooks on life can be started. Just follow the simple steps below:

1) Start a team – Teams are formed with five or six members. Consider creating a team with family, friends, fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, or co-workers. Register your team and see the available bowling dates and locations at www.bbbstampabay.org/bowl

2) Start securing sponsorship  – Most bowlers raise about $170, but many people raise over $1,000. What impact do you want to have? The best part is that all of the event expenses are underwritten by our corporate sponsors. That means 100% of the money raised by bowlers goes directly towards supporting children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters in your community.

3) Start bowling  – After you have secured your sponsorships, it’s time to have fun! You’ll receive two free games of bowling (shoe and ball rental included!), a Bowl for Kids’ Sake t-shirt, food, drinks, chances to win door prizes!

So what are you waiting for? Start your team today! Partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters through Bowl for Kids’ Sake makes a positive, long-lasting impact on children in your community. Our mentoring works. It works to help broaden children’s perspectives and help them learn how to make good choices. It starts a child on the path to fulfilling their potential and succeeding in school and life.

For questions contact Josh Hagg 813-769-3614 or JoshH@BBBSTampaBay.org.

Register your team today at www.bbbstampabay.org/bowl

Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for the opportunity to rappel down the Hilton Downtown Tampa hotel!

Over the Edge is a fundraising organization that partners with nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, to host rappelling events at buildings around the world. If you are a thrill seeker then this is the event for you! To join participants must pledge to raise $1500, which is the cost of maintaining a match between a mentor and mentee (Big & Little) for one year. This year’s event is sponsored by CALE America & Paradise Ventures.

No experience is necessary to participate. Prior to rappelling for Over the Edge, you will have the opportunity to practice your technique and have a trainer walk you through your first few steps over the side of the Hilton Downtown Tampa. If you are an expert rock climber, be warned – this is not your typical rock climbing rappel! You will be strapped into a full-sized industrial harness and will use an industrial descender. But don’t worry! You will be given a radio so that you can communicate with the trainers and technicians as you enjoy the view on your way down.

There will be 76 spots available to those who meet their $1500 fundraising goal. After you register here, you will be given all of the support you need to fundraise, including your own dedicated fundraising webpage, more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, an informative strategy guide on how to maximize your donations, sample donation request letters, and more! There is no age limit to participate, if you are under 18 you need a signed waiver from a parent or guardian, and you must be between 100 & 300 pounds to participate. Be prepared, as the training and paperwork will take 60-90 minutes, but once you begin your descent the rappel lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Do you think you have the guts to go Over the Edge? Then click here to register!

Still have questions or want to be a sponsor? Contact Dawn Kuhn at dawnk@bbbstampabay.org  or call 727-351-4669.

The Big Gala was an opportunity for fundraising, philanthropy and fun!

The 19th annual Art of Helping Children Gala at the Hilton Tampa Downtown was once again a huge success! Thanks to the 600 attendees and USAmeriBank, the evening was full of excitement.
The theme “Big”, based on the 1988 Tom Hanks film, allowed the adults let loose and act like kids! Upon entering the Gala guests were greeted by Zoltar the Great and could get their fortunes read. The VIP room showcased large floor pianos for everyone to enjoy. Dinner tables displayed toys and games as centerpieces. The ballroom was transformed into an elegant playroom with video games, foosball and a ping-pong table!

To kickoff the evening Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s CEO, Stephen Koch, was recognized for his 15 years of commitment to changing the lives of children facing adversity for the better, forever. The silent auction lasted through dinner and was closed with a performance based on the popular scene from “Big” where the characters Josh and MacMillan play a duet on the large floor piano in the world-famous FAO Schwarz toy store.

After dinner, Big Sister Laura/Little Sister Carrie and Big Brother Oscar/Little Brother Jarell from the Youth Ranch mentoring program shared their story about being matched and spoke about how the experience has changed their lives in positive ways. Then Brian Auld of the Tampa Bay Rays shared the numbers that show why mentoring matters, such as 98% of our Littles move onto the next grade level. He then called for donations so that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay can continue to make positive changes in lives of children in our community!
The evening closed with a live band and smooth dance moves.

Thanks to all that attended the event and all the sponsors for making this amazing event a reality!

Want to help make an impact in the lives of children in the community? Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay today!