CAMDEN — More than 170 Camden National Bank employees joined efforts to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at Bowl For Kids' Sake events across the state this year. In total, the Bank formed 43 teams and raised a combined total of close to $20,000 to support local Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and one-to-one youth mentoring in five regions — Penobscot County, the Midcoast, Kennebec and Somerset counties, and Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.

"As a returning lead sponsor and a regular contributor to Bowl For Kids' Sake, we believe that supporting the youth in our communities is one of the most important things we can do," said Greg Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank, in a news release. "Aside from our sponsorship, it is the local involvement and fundraising efforts of our employees that is truly overwhelming. Grassroots efforts like these highlight the impact that even one person can have in the life of a child, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who organized teams and participated in their local events."

According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, Bowl For Kids' Sake provides approximately 40 percent of the agency's annual operating budget. Last year, the nonprofit served 787 children through Big/Little matches in Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Penobscot, Kennebec and Somerset counties. With a cost of around $1,000 per year to create and professionally support each match, fundraising events like this and support from the community is integral to their continued success.

"Camden National Bank's sponsorship and great team participation are the key reasons that our event last year was the largest in our agency's history, and why we are well on our way to surpassing those numbers this year," said Cathy Hardy, Development Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, in the release. "We can't thank the bank and its bowlers enough for everything they do. The enthusiasm they bring to each event is contagious and inspires everyone!"

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, or on becoming a mentor, visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.