Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser is this weekend

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Mitchell-area residents can escape south of the border this Saturday — mentally, at least — and support a worthy cause at the same time.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mitchell Area is hosting Winter Escape: South of the Border, an annual fundraiser.

The event will start at 6 p.m. Saturday at Village Bowl in Mitchell.

Businesses and individuals have already sponsored enough bowling teams to fill the lanes, said Jean Haley, BBBS program director. Those registered to bowl will also enjoy a meal catered by Corona Village.

“They are donating all the food, so we’re very thankful for that,” Haley said.

Anyone not registered will not be able to bowl or eat the catered food. But they will have the chance to participate in casino games and a live auction, Haley said.

“They can come that night and there’s a $20 cover fee,” she said. “That gets them $100 in play money start-up cash for the casino play. And they can participate in the auction.”

Some auction items include a six-day, seven-night stay for four in a condo in Manzanillo, Mexico; two trips for four to Wendover, Nev.; a balloon ride for two; a one-night stay and buffet pass at Grand Falls Casino; tickets for four to either a Vikings or Twins game and two nights at a hotel; a $200 gift certificate to County Fair; and many other gift certificates for local and area businesses.

Raffles will also be held throughout the night, including a 50/50 raffle and a $500 reverse raffle.

“We did this last year, just under a different name — Hula Down the Lanes,” Haley said. “It was a great fundraiser for us. It brought in $13,000. We’re hoping to beat that this year.”

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