An upcoming bowl-a-thon will help underwrite free after school tutoring for 147 struggling Ripon students.

Give Every Child a Chance offers one-on-one tutoring at Heartland Church, Colony Oak, Weston, Parkview and Ripon Elementary. They currently have 10 volunteer tutors helping about 80 students in one-on-one sessions. They need more volunteers as there is a waiting list of students needing help.

Tracking shows almost 80 percent of all students involved with the one-on-one tutoring improve at least a grade level.

The balance of the students participate in an after school program at Ripon Elementary that offers various activities including homework assistance.

Volunteer tutors can be fifth graders all the way to senior citizens. Volunteers are asked to invest an hour a day, twice a week to mentor students. They are matched by interests and abilities. Give Every Child Chief Executive Officer Carol Davis notes that high school students can tutor for community service to help enhance their college applications.

 If you are interested in volunteering call GECAC at 823-6532.

GECAC’s Antone E. Raymus 14th Annual Bowl-A-Thon is Saturday, Feb. 16. Bowling times will be scheduled at 8 and 10:15 a.m., 12:30 and 2:45 p.m. at Manteca Bowl and Family Fun Center, 1251 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca

Five people per team must raise a minimum of $50 each team member, in pledge, to enter the Bowl-A-Thon. Total team registration is $250. Individuals are also welcome to participate

Marie Raymus, in partnership with Give Every Child A Chance, will be hosting the event by donating the use of the Manteca Bowl and Family Fun Center. This includes 36 lanes, bowling shoes, a soft drink for each participant, and staff.

GECAC is encouraging businesses to challenge the competition in an exciting two-game competition. Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge other business for bragging rights and a chance to be the grand prize winner in categories such as, Health Care, Government, Service Agency Organization, Retail, Service/Community Club, School, Retail, House of Worship, Bank, and Youth Group, and After School Advantage Program.

There are also top prizes for overall highest collecting top youth team, overall top three individual students, and prizes for individual youth collectors. In addition, the school that collects the most pledges (minimum of $1,000) will receive $500 school shopping spree.

For additional information, to request a team packet, or for further assistance with community challenges, call 823-6222.