Bowling Event Benefits Big Brothers/Big Sisters

By Brian Flagg - March 31, 2008
iBerkshires Staff

Twins Brianna and Brittani Tassone with Big Sisters Stephanie Vigiard, left, and Alexandria Brandon.

NORTH ADAMS – For six years now, the North County chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters has held its annual Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser at Mount Greylock Bowl.

On Saturday night, supporters were out in big numbers to have some fun – and knock down some pins – to raise money for the program.

New program director Raymond Ross was thrilled with the participation this year. 

"We had a great turnout," said Ross, who is in only his fifth week as director. "We raised about $5,500." 

Ross joined the program after spending a number of years working at Bradley Hospital in Providence, R.I. He said he came to Northern Berkshire because he was very interested in working with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

The program here and the area itself was appealing to him because "I wanted to get out of working with bigger programs," he said.

A Special Donation

Many families came out together for the evening. The Daley family of North Adams definitely had fun but also bowled for another reason.

Michael and Tami Daley of North Adams and children Ethan Daley, 4, and Gianna Daley, 7.

Seven-year-old Gianna Daley heard about Bowl For Kids' Sake and wanted to donate her allowance to help the program. 

"I heard about it from my mom and wanted to help out," she said. A pupil at Sullivan School, Gianna also donated money for her school's playground project. Tami Daley, Gianna's mom, said "She donated about $16 for the playground and wanted to donate some more."  

Kids Helping Kids

Another group bowling in the event was comprised of twin sisters, 9-year-olds Brianna and Brittani Tassone, and their Big Sisters Stephanie Vigiard, 17, and Alexandria Brandon, 16. Vigiard and Brandon have been Big Sisters for one and two years, respectively. 

"I have wanted to do this since I was a little kid," said Vigiard. "When I was little, I always wanted someone to talk to. Now I can be that [person]."

Brandon said she joined because she likes spending time with kids.

Brianna and Brittani enjoy the company of their Big Sisters for a number of reasons.

"I think they're great," said Brianna. "They take us ice skating and on walks and help us with homework." Her sister added, "I think the program is really good." 

The four spent most of their day ice skating before they went bowling.
 
More Happening at the Bowl

Gary Superneau, who has owned Mount Greylock Bowl for almost nine years, hosts a number of events at the lanes in addition to the annual Big Brothers/Big Sisters tourney.

"They have been here for six years now," he said of the nonprofit group, adding that birthday parties are held there and the lanes are the home of several adult and children's leagues and high school teams.

The crowd at Mount Greylock Bowl. [Pictures by Brian Flagg]

Next weekend will be the 2nd annual PBA East Region Mount Greylock Bowl Open, which is a sanctioned Professional Bowling Association event.

Superneau expects about 110 pros to be in attendance. 

"There will about a dozen local bowlers as well," he added. Local bowlers are required to have held a 200 average for two consecutive years to be eligible to compete in the event.  

Preliminary rounds will be going on all day Saturday, with the finals on Sunday. For more information, call the bowling alley at 413-663-3761.