By Justin Porreca
Staff Writer
The “buddies” and “littles,” children and adults who benefits from the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Best Buddies, converged at the Playdium Bowling Center for an afternoon of fun and games to raise money for their programs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Best Buddies sponsored a successful fundraiser Saturday and some 70 people attended the event.
The bowl-a-thon was at the 363 Ontario Street alleys, and it attracted volunteers, special guests, and parents of the two programs’ participants.
Big Brothers Big Sisters and Best Buddies raised $284, or $142 for each program. The funds will offset the cost of future trips and parties for the “littles” and “buddies.” The Saint Rose chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters will also donate a portion to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.
“I’m overwhelmed with how much we raised. I didn’t know what to expect coming into it,” said Matthew Woods, president of the Saint Rose chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“There were a lot of people I didn’t expect to show up. There were a lot of people outside of the programs that showed up,” said Grace Howard, sophomore and Vice President of the Saint Rose chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “We want to get more people from outside the programs next year, but for our first year, the turnout was good.”
“I think the turnout was awesome and the buddies are having a blast, every single one. You can see them having a blast, even if they are throwing gutter balls,” said Adam Tripp. “I really think they should do this again. These kids love it and I know the future kids will love it too.”
The parents of the “littles” and “buddies” involved were overwhelmed and pleased with the turnout, the initiative the volunteers took and their overall care for the individuals in the programs.
“I think this is great. It’s a great opportunity to get a bunch of volunteers together from two different programs,” said Paul Stefanowicz, parent of Eileen Stefanowicz, who is in the Best Buddies Program. “It’s very heartening that people are taking interest in people that are otherwise overlooked, because people with disabilities have a lot to offer if given the opportunity.”
Mother of “little” Na-Je Sprattley, Jessica Sprattley, is another parent who is pleased with the overall Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the bowl-a-thon fundraiser they put on Saturday.
“It’s an excellent thing that [volunteers] want to give back to these kids,” she said. “This is a very good program for the kids and the staff. They match them up very well.”
The day made a difference for a number of the “buddies” and “littles.”
“I had a great time with Hannah [Conroy]. She is one of the best buddies I’ve had. She’s so nice and really great,” said Corey Wayman, a “buddy” in the Best Buddies program.
“It was good and awesome because I got to spend time with Molly and Sam,” said “little” Na-Je Sprattley, who had a great time bowling with “bigs” Molly Shapiro and Samantha Pizzigati.
The Playdium’s proprietor has played host to many events, and he appreciated Saturday’s.
“There is a heavy load on the college students, and for them to take time out of their schedules to help people that are less fortunate and need the attention they don’t get is great, and taking the time to get involved in these programs is great,” said Neil Luther, owner of the Playdium.
Along with the bowling, the raffle was entertaining and successful for the “buddies” and “littles.” The big winner of the day from the Best Buddies program was Eileen Stefanowicz. She won a Pottery Place gift bag, among other gifts.
Na-Je Sprattley was the big winner from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He won an Olympia Sports gift basket and two tickets to an Albany Devils game.
“The best part about the program is being with all my friends and making new friends. I like everybody and getting to meet new people,” said Zach Pierce, a “buddy” in the Best Buddies program.
