Helping Services' bowl-a-thon raises $11,000 for mentoring program

Approximately 80 bowlers on 19 teams raised money last Saturday for the youth mentoring program at Helping Services.

The volunteers donned leis, grass skirts, and sunglasses and bowled in the midst of decorations of palm trees, pineapples, parrots, and lobsters.    

An anonymous donor gave $5,000 to help sponsor the event. . The Winneshiek County Chapter of Thrivent Financial donated $500 to support mentoring.  Bank of the West, Elliott Jewelers, and Randy's Auto Parts CARQUEST donated $300 each, while a number of area businesses each donated $100.

Youth Mentoring in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek counties provides an adult mentor who spends 4-5 hours of month with a youth ages 5-16.  Currently, 43 youth are enjoying time with a mentor, with 15 youth waiting for a mentor. 

If you would like to financially support this mission, gifts can be made securely online at www.helpingservices.org/mentoring, or can be mailed to Helping Services Mentoring Program at P.O Box 372, Decorah, IA 52101.