Imagine an 11- or 12-year-old kid. Imagine that same kid with an athletic or academic talent. Imagine the potential of that very kid. Now, imagine it without support.

At present, that kid may be an all-star pitcher leading his team to an undefeated season and subsequent championship. In the near future, that same kid may be pitching at the college or major league level. On the other hand, that kid may become one of those infamous “if” athletes.

Presently, that kid may be a “C” student doing his or her best to make honor roll.

In the near future, that same kid may be a dean’s scholar or a dropout.

We have all heard the stories, seen the situations, or lived the life. Still, many of us fail to encourage or intervene at moments when that kid really needs us to.

Though the right moment is not always obvious, being on the offensive often increases the odds of hitting the mark.

Imagine an organization that stands in the gap for kids like this. Imagine that same organization with support from the community. Now, imagine that organization without support.

Think of the kids that would not have a safe after-school environment to receive tutoring and mentoring. Think of the hometown hero that never was. Think of the local physician that never matriculated. Know that each of us can be a bridge builder.

Know that what awaits our youth is not always foreseeable.

Realize that what affects our youth is always deserving of our attention.

Therefore, the local members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. have organized a fundraising event to assist the Boys & Girls Club of the Miss-Lou.

As a vital program for our area youth, the Boys & Girls Club of the Miss-Lou is deserving of support.

It provides many of our community’s kids with supervised surroundings to participate in physical activities, enjoy social activities and receive academic aid.

The event, organized as a bowl-a-thon, will be at Rivergate Bowl from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Teams and sponsors will team up to bowl for the Boys & Girls Club.

Thanks to many local individuals, bowling enthusiasts, organizations and businesses, the event is already a funding success.

The only thing left to do is to enjoy a few hours of friendly, competitive bowling.

Although sponsors and teams occupy all 16 lanes, those interested may still come out to make a donation or see which teams and individuals take home trophies.

 

Jamal McCullen is a member of the Nu Xi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.