How decorating a bowling pin this month will support Saline County youth

A few weeks from now, people will have the opportunity to place bids on works of art from an unordinary, niche canvas.

Though it has gone away for a few years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina Pin and Ink Showcase returns this year, where those in the community can create an artwork from well used bowling pins.

Organizers of Pin and Ink are inviting local artists of all ages and skill levels to put their talents on display for a cause supporting local youth.

“It’s always fun to see the different creative styles people use when decorating (the pins),” said Cami Dinkel, marketing and events coordinator at BBBS of Salina.

How to participate in Pin and Ink

To participate in this year’s Pin and Ink Showcase, people can pick up bowling pins at BBBS of Salina at 500 Kenwood Park Drive, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bowling pin pick up is also available at the Salina Art Center Education Warehouse at 149 South 5th Street, Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

People can pick up their pins and create art from them anywhere they like, but all decorated bowling pins are due back to BBBS by Feb. 22.

The decorated pins will be featured in an auction 5-7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Stiefel Theatre Watson Room, where all proceeds will go toward supporting BBBS of Salina. In former years, some of the most creative bowling pin art sold for around $100.

There will be an artist workshop hosted by the Salina Art Center Feb. 13 at the Salina Art Center Warehouse from 5:30-7 p.m. They will provide bowling pins, but those participating will need to bring their own art supplies.

“We have a couple community partners like that who are also helping us out, which is awesome,” Dinkel said. “It’s always fun to go to the Stiefel and be in that unique space. They were excited to work with us and have it there.”

Pin and Ink kicks off fundraising season

Those who decorate bowling pins are encouraged to show up to the auction event so they can place a bid of their own, or just bring friends family to check out all of the featured pins.

The family friendly event will feature a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres alongside the unique pieces of bowling pin art.

As of Feb. 1, Dinkel said, BBBS had already given away 100 pins to be decorated.

“It’s great to see so many people interested already,” Dinkel said. “We’re kind of using this to start getting people in the mindset of Bowl for Kids Sake.”

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is an annual event BBBS does for fundraising efforts. It’s scheduled for April 1 this year, where teams of six people get together and fundraise $100 per person, or $600 per team.

This year’s theme at Bowl for Kids’ Sake is “Rockin,” an ode to 1980s style and music. Starting mid-February, teams will be able to sign up for two-hour bowling time slots, then fundraise online or bring cash or a check to BBBS the day before or day of Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

Then the teams celebrate their fundraising accomplishment at their selected time slot with a bowling party at The Alley in Salina.

“We do some fun activities during the day and have giveaways… it’s always a lot of fun to have and just see the community coming together for the kids,” Dinkel said.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is BBBS’ largest fundraiser of the year, bringing in a large percentage of their budget.

Dinkel said she’s hoping the Pin and Ink Art Showcase and Bowl for Kids’ Sake will reach a broader range of people this year who may not know much about BBBS and its opportunities for local volunteerism.

“Definitely donation-wise, it’s a great way to bring awareness to those who maybe aren’t already donors or know about our other events,” Dinkel said.

Seeking Bigs

Fulfilling the local need is an ongoing effort, Dinkel said, since it seems like when the waitlist gets shorter, more children are looking for a Big.

“Our waitlist is down a little bit because we’ve actually had quite a few Bigs come through the door,” Dinkel said. “But it seems like when we get it down, we get that many more kids coming in.”

There is usually between 75-100 children on the BBBS of Salina waitlist. And depending on the circumstances of a child, others are waiting longer for the right match.

One young boy, Dinkel said, has been waiting for three and a half years for the right match.

“He needs someone who is a little more patient and can help kind of guide him a little bit better,” Dinkel said. “Sometimes it’s hard to find people who have a willingness to work a little bit harder on something like that, but when we do find the right Big for him, we know it’s going to be a really great match.”

“Bigs” serve as mentors to the children they are partnered with. They participate in a thorough screening process, including interviews, training and background checks. Then, they get to spend an hour a week with the child they are partnered with for at least a year.

The partnership often forms strong bonds, Dinkel said, having been a Big herself for four years now.

“I have a great relationship with her,” Dinkel said. “Her grandmother is her guardian, and we have a good working partnership to make sure she succeeds.”

Dinkel said one of the most rewarding things about being a Big is seeing their “littles” grow, prosper and succeed in their daily lives.

“Just having someone to talk to — that’s all some kids want,” Dinkel said.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily focusing on county government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: How decorating a bowling pin this month will support Salina area youth