Manitowoc, WI (April 15, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline reports that its 2026 Bowl for Kids’ Sake events in Sheboygan and Manitowoc raised more than $70,000 to support local youth mentoring programs. More than 240 bowlers participated in the event, which was sponsored by Van Horn Automotive Group, WOMT 100 and 10 additional lane and team sponsors.
 
The largest individual fundraiser was Manitowoc bowler and longtime BBBS employee, Rita Muench, who raised more than $5,240 for her team. She has participated in the event for more than 30 years and raised more than $80,000 in total. At the end of this year’s event, she announced she was hanging up her bowling shoes.
 
“I’ve received gifts from many of the same donors for 25 or 30 years, and I make the time to mail handwritten thank-you notes, over 40 this year,” Muench said. “This is such a worthwhile program. The constant support of an adult can really change a kid’s life. I’ve watched it happen with my grandson and many others.”
 
Denise Wittstock, CEO of BBBS WI Shoreline, recognized Rita’s contributions.
 
“We will truly miss Rita’s tremendous support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the time and energy she spent raising funds for youth mentoring in our community,” Wittstock said. “Rita’s dedication has had an immeasurable impact on thousands of young people and the adults who have supported them over the past 30 years.”
 
Wittstock added, “We couldn’t do what we do for youth in our community without volunteers like Rita, corporate donors like Van Horn Automotive and WOMT 100, and the many individuals who contribute time, treasure and talent to Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline.”
 
About Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline 
Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline helps children realize their potential and build their futures through evidence-based mentoring programs that match trusted volunteer mentors with children who need additional support and guidance. Through the careful pairing of an adult with a child, BBBS can combine the abilities of the mentor with the needs of the child to produce safe, goal-oriented, friendships. Agency professionals work with each relationship to ensure the interaction leads to more self-confident and self-reliant young people. 
 
For more information about BBBSWIS, click here. 
 
To read the just released BBBS WI Shoreline 2025 Annual Impact Report, click here.