Rock 'N Bowl Supports Mentored Forsyth County Children

CUMMING, GA — Rock 'n Bowl raises funds to support Mentor Me North Georgia, a local non-profit organization that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adults and children. The recent 2019 event attracted more than 120 bowlers, along with corporate sponsors. It was held at Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center.

Anusha Vangara is mentor for Kassidy, a sophomore at Forsyth Central High School. They were matched six months ago.

“We actually met at a Mentor Me bowling event,” Vangara said. “From my own childhood, I have always enjoyed doing service. Mentoring is a perfect fit for me because I enjoy spending time with kids. At a young age, they need someone to share their feelings. Spending time with Kassidy, sharing and caring, is an awesome experience. Mentor Me is a wonderful organization, providing amazing opportunities for mentors to make a difference in the lives of children and young people needing friendship and a positive influence."

Ken Martasin is the 2019 chair of Mentor Me.

"As a successful business person and father, I think it is important to give back to others,” he said. “I have been blessed in my life and hope that our organization can bless the youth in our community who can use a little help.”

Sylvia Cardona, executive director of Mentor Me North Georgia said, “This is our most exciting year yet with Elvis and gift baskets, everyone had fun and left feeling like a winner. The funds we raise help us match children with caring mentors, and that's what is important. Thank you to everyone in our community who supports children and youth.”

Mentor Me matches volunteer adults with children ages 6 - 17, who need and want mentors. Men are matched with boys, and women with girls. They share everyday activities such as sports, movies, and music events. But most importantly, they develop healthy adult-child relationships, according to Cardona. Children in the Forsyth County program demonstrate increased self-confidence and esteem and show measured improvement in academic performance and behavior.

Mentor Me is a Forsyth County United Way agency. However, the organization depends on private donations for 50 percent of its funding. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Sylvia Cardona at 678-341-8028 or sylvia@mentormenorthga.org.