Supporters dug deep to send the annual Bowl for Kids Sake charity event out with a bang on Sunday.

The major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Yukon (BBBS) raised more than $23,000 – a record for the 24-year tradition, said executive director Harold Sher.

“This is the best ever: the highest number of teams, pledges, lane sponsorships, and value of silent auction items brought in,” Sher said yesterday.

“It means everything. It just goes to show you how generous the people and the businesses are in Whitehorse.”

While major sponsorship wasn’t as easy to find this year, Sher said small sponsors stepped up in record fashion.

“We did promote the idea that this was probably the last go-round, and I think a lot of people did a little something extra special for us,” he said.

With Mad Trapper Alleys slated for closure, Sher said there have been plenty of suggestions for alternate charity events.

“Anything that people suggest that is reasonable, we will look at,” he said.

BBBS Yukon provides mentors to local children who want or need an elder sibling figure in their lives.

The organization hosts two major fundraisers each year, with the Curl for Kids Sake also taking place at the Whitehorse Curling Club.

The 2014 event netted $8,500.

“I’m sure that will continue to be an important event,” Sher said.

“But it’s going to be tough, to be honest with you, to replace something like Bowl for Kids Sake.”

The event, which featured 30 teams and 150-plus bowlers over five time slots this year, typically raises more than 20 per cent of BBBS Yukon’s annual operating budget.

Sher lauded Northwestel and the local banks for their support over the past 24 years and said the top fundraisers will be announced in newspaper advertising going forward.

This year’s record windfall wouldn’t have been possible without major sponsorship from Air North, Mad Trapper Alleys and Fraserway RV.

As usual, the bowling lanes were provided to BBBS at no cost on Sunday, Sher added.

Mad Trapper Alleys will close its doors as of this Sunday, manager Stephen Kwok confirmed yesterday.

League play has concluded and with the Bowl for Kids Sake also in the books, the closed sign will be hung for good by week’s end.

While closure is imminent, Kwok said the lanes will remain intact for the time being.

“For sure, the next four months, nothing will be happening,” he told the Star, noting he could open for large private functions if warranted.

The bowling alley, located in the Riverdale neighbourhood, has reportedly been losing money for years and the lane equipment is nearing the end of its lifespan.

While Kwok said he is looking forward to the break, he isn’t going away and will likely be found in his usual post behind the bar at the plaza’s pub or at the nearby video store.

On the other hand, Sher won’t be at the helm for the next fundraiser. He is stepping down from his BBBS post at the end of June. Mentoring co-ordinator Shelby Maunder will take on his position going forward.