PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Laughter was in the air, as was the sound of pins crashing together and the occasional bowling ball traveling down the gutter.
According to Carolyn Hildebrand, program coordinator for the Central Aroostook Mentoring Program, bowlers at the recent fifth annual Bowlathon raised about $4,600 in pledge money.
“That’s the amount we’ve brought in so far from lane sponsorships and pledges, plus a $1,000 donation from Wal-Mart,” she said. “Last year we raised $11,000 … this year we’re figuring it’s going to be about $9,400.
“The money will be used to help cover CAMP’s operating expenses,” said Hildebrand, “as well as help pay for background checks for our mentors.”
Twenty teams consisting of about 85 bowlers participated in the annual fund-raiser.
“Everyone had a really good time,” said Hildebrand. “There were a lot of door prizes that were donated by local businesses, and the money raised all goes to a worthwhile cause. I think we had more bowlers this year than we’ve ever had.”
Hildebrand said CAMP’s advisory council started planning the Bowlathon in December.
“We begin with the initial paperwork, getting posters made up, trying to send out information to sponsors to encourage them to donate at least $100 or more as a lane sponsor, $250 as an event sponsor, or $1,000 as a benefactor.
“We call each of the businesses that have given in the past, or we stop by and talk to the owner or manager,” said Hildebrand. “We also follow up with phone calls. We try to spread the word to everyone who has bowled before … mentors and mentees.”
The top fund-raiser was Kevin Plourde of Katahdin Trust Co. in Presque Isle, who raised $300. The second highest fund-raiser was Amy Cronkite. The two highest fund-raising teams were the Katahdin Strike Force from Katahdin Trust and the County King Pins from DFAS.
“Katahdin Trust has been a great supporter of the CAMP Bowlathon,” said Hildebrand. “For five years they have had the most teams and given us the most support.”
As a way to boost contributions next year, Hildebrand said CAMP will request a $25 minimum to be raised in order for a person to bowl.
“This is our major fund-raiser for the year,” she said, “so we really want to encourage people to collect pledges.”
The B.P.O. Elks Lodge 1954 donated the use of the bowling alley for the day.
“There were no charges for the lanes at all,” said Hildebrand. “They were very, very gracious.”
CAMP offers its services to children as far north as Stockholm and New Sweden, over to Ashland and Limestone and down to Mars Hill.
A program of Helping Hands for Children and Families, CAMP receives funding from the United Way of Aroostook, as well as other donations.
Hildebrand said CAMP is looking for more volunteers.
“We have a need for both male and female mentors,” she said, “but we have more male mentees, so we need male mentors.” Hildebrand said couples are also encouraged to inquire about mentoring together.
Officials said people are sometimes nervous about becoming mentors because they feel they don’t have enough time to give.
“It really doesn’t require a lot of time,” said Hildebrand. “It’s only three to five hours a week where you’re doing things you might normally do. If you’re going grocery shopping, you can bring the child with you. It gives you a chance just to spend time with the child and talk to them.”
CAMP asks that mentors commit to the program for one year. At the conclusion of the year, an annual review is held and the mentor has the option of keeping the same child for another year.
“Providing funds to keep the program going is very important,” said Hildebrand, “but we also need mentors or there won’t be a program.”
For more information about becoming either a mentor or a mentee in central Aroostook County, contact Hildebrand at 764-4005.
