HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — A weekend of strikes and spares has brought local supporters within inches of a major fundraising milestone for youth mentoring services in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Executive Director, Lindsey Douglas, announced the event has raised $72,049.80 toward its $72,500 goal, with the fundraising website, BBBSbowl.com, remaining open for additional donations to help push the total over the top.

More than 560 bowlers of all ages participated, forming 114 teams. Of those teams, roughly two-thirds were sponsored, underscoring strong support from local businesses and community partners. Two of the six available timeslots sold out completely, with bowlers filling 26 of the bowling alley’s 32 lanes during peak times.

All funds raised will stay in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to support one-to-one mentoring services for local youth. Through the program, children matched with a volunteer mentor — known as a “Big” — often see improvements in school performance, relationships with friends and family, and overall self-confidence.

The next community fundraiser in the series, Mini-Golf For Kids’ Sake, is scheduled for Sept. 11 and 12 at Mulligan’s, offering another opportunity for residents to support mentoring programs that aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children.