Second Annual ‘Bowling for Books & Basketball’ Event this Friday

Flint residents are invited to showcase their bowling skills during the second annual “Bowling for Books & Basketball” family event presented by The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and Financial Plus Federal Credit Union in partnership with CBS sports analyst, and former Michigan State and NBA Player Mateen Cleaves.

The Friday, May 10th evening of fun includes two games of bowling, shoe rental and one pizza per team for a charitable donation of $20. Bowling is provided by Bowl Flint from 7:00pm – 9pm, ET and will take place at B’s Bowling Center, 750 S. Center Road, Flint, MI 48506. For more information or to register contact Emily Leonard, AmeriCorps*Vista member at (810) 249-3413, email emileovista@gmail.com or visit www.bgclubflint.org.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint education programs including Books & Basketball, a program designed to engage youth ages 7-15 in reading. Focused on developing reading skills, especially among non-readers, the initiative combines special rewards, opportunities to spend time with Mateen Cleaves at the Boys & Girls Club, and books geared specifically toward non-readers to promote learning. Since the program began in July 2010 Mateen has scheduled regular visits and special reading sessions with over 100 youth per visit.

“Reading is an essential skill for success in life so anything we can do to interest young people in developing into avid readers is important. When someone that the kids look up to, like Mateen Cleaves, encourages them to read, they listen!” said Bob Nelson, Executive Director.