The 29th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake starts this weekend, with Central Valley bowling alleys opening their lanes for The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California fundraiser.

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Since its inception in 1986, the local chapter has raised more than $1.8 million by encouraging community members to dress up as various characters while forming bowling teams. 

This year, bowling alleys in Clovis, Fresno, Madera, Visalia and Hanford will host events to help the Big Brothers Big Sisters group reach its goal of raising $100,000. The funds go specifically to the local area and help pay programming costs for the nonprofit. 

“This particular fundraiser is a beloved one with our staff as it allows us all to get a little crazy and creative with our themed costumes,” said Diane Phakonekham, executive director with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California. “Part of the success of the Bowl for Kids’ Sake is that we encourage everyone to let out their silly side, and they know that for all their effort, it brings a smile and makes an impact on Valley children in our program.”

This year’s theme is Hawaiian and interested teams can sign up by visiting www.bigs.kintera.org/bowl, or send a donation to an existing team. 

“We hope to raise more than $100,000 between all the events. This money is used to help support programs in the community like High School Bigs. We take at-risk high school students and pair them with at-risk elementary school students to mentor. The success is great,” said Jayme Stevens, coordinator for Bowl for Kids in the South Valley. 

The dates for the individual cities are:

• Clovis, noon to 2 p.m. on March 19

• Fresno, noon to 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 2

• Madera, noon to 2 p.m. on April 9

• Visalia, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 16

• Hanford, noon to 2 p.m. on April 17

For more information on the fundraiser event, visit www.bigs.org/events/bowl-for-kids-sake/.