Arthur Meighen Student Council (photos courtesy Dawn Froese)

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie has an extra $12,000 in the bank, after the Bowl for Kids fundraiser over the weekend at Southport Lanes.

Their goal was $18,000, but Executive Director Dawn Froese is happy with what was generated.

Duck Dynasty came and supported Bowl for Kids

Bowl for Kids has been happening for about 15 years, and she describes it as their signature event. She says people are now connecting Bowl for Kids with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and points out some bowlers commented on how easy it was to get pledges this year. Froese thinks it's the result of doing the event well over time.

Gilligan's Island also came

Froese is particularly happy there were several newcomers to Bowl for Kids, who enjoyed the experience, despite some apprehension at the outset. She notes there was lots of laughter as they raised money for a good cause, and feels it's a win-win.

Froese is sure having new participants will help Bowl for Kids in the future, by spreading the word about it.