Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr. is accustomed to catching fly balls. But while he's getting ready for Opening Day, Souza is encouraging fans to join him for Bowl For Kids' Sake, an annual fundraiser supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Fans will be encouraged to collect donations to earn a spot at his invitation-only VIP bowling party later this month.
 
The Rays have been longtime supporters of the mentoring organization. Each year, a player is selected to serve as an ambassador for the agency, to help with awareness, recruitment of volunteers and to raise money for the mentoring programs. Volunteer mentors called 'Bigs' spend one-on-one time with a child, called 'Littles', enjoying free low-cost activities in the community. It costs on average $1,250 to match a Big with a Little for one year, which pays for the background check, training and on-going support of each Big/Little match.
 
"I know what it's like to have a trusted friend-a mentor-in your life, someone you can talk to, or look up to," said Souza. "But not every kid is that lucky. I'm glad I have the opportunity to encourage Rays fans to help kids right here in our community."
 
To encourage fans to make donations, Souza (@SouzaJr) is launching a Twitter campaign on March 15, and will offer fun autographed prizes. The campaign ends March 30, right before the season starts. Those who raise more than $1,250 will be eligible for an invitation to the VIP party. Visit www.bbbstampabay.org for more information.