Westmoreland Big Brothers Big Sisters group gets creative to raise cash during the coronavirus pandemic

Raising money isn’t easy in the era of a pandemic.

But after canceling several fundraising events in the last few months, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region couldn’t forego its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowlathon. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year, said Director Stephanie Mihleder.

“It’s meant to keep our doors open,” she said.

So organizers got creative and reworked this year’s event from inside a bowling alley to outside at Twin Lakes Park. A small bowling set-up was joined by cornhole, a picnic and playground equipment as a way to make it safe while still allowing supporters to gather.

“We’ve been very grateful that we’ve been able to pivot,” Mihleder said.

Adults who raised $60 and children who raised $30 were permitted to attend the celebration. All will get vouchers for bowling at Hillview Lanes, where the event originally was to have been held. Money raised helps the Greensburg-based organization match area children with adult mentors.

Katrianna Iezzi, 8, blew past the fundraising goal, bringing more than $800 through a lemonade stand on two Saturdays this month in her Hempfield neighborhood. With help from her mother Ali Iezzi, organization community relations and events director, Katrianna sold about 8 gallons of lemonade in person and virtually.

“It was cool but also tiring,” she said.

There were some buyers who, upon learning the stand was raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, let her keep the change, Ali Iezzi said.

“It was like renewing faith,” she said.

For an organization that has been hit hard by social distancing restrictions meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, it means a lot.

Fundraising events make up more than half of the Laurel Region chapter’s budget, Mihleder said.

Volunteer Bigs have found creative ways to connect with their Littles during the last few months, from picking up meals from school to watching movies together virtually.

The organization has made seven matches since June 1, but 130 more children are on a waiting list because there aren’t enough Bigs, Mihleder said.

For more details on how to volunteer, visit bbbs.cand.co/volunteer. To check out a virtual orientation, email mentor@bbb slr.org or call 724-837-6198.