A bowling event Nov. 21 will raise money for North County Teen Court and give some program participants a chance to bowl for the first time.

"Spare Our Youth!" is the first such fundraiser for North County Teen Court, a program that aims to keep youths out of the juvenile justice system through community service.

The event is slated to run from 1 to 3 p.m. at Rancho Bowl, 128 E. Donovan Road in Santa Maria.

Crystal Moreno, Teen Court program manager, said Teen Court in Santa Barbara held a similar event, and she felt that North County kids deserved an activity where they have the community's support and can enjoy themselves in a good environment.

"It's amazing how many kids I work with that have never gone bowling," she said.

"And I personally love to bowl," Moreno added.

Members of the public are invited to take part in "Spare Our Youth!" in five-member bowling teams. The cost is $30 per bowler, which includes one lane per team, shoe rentals and T-shirts. Participants also will have the chance to win prizes.

An additional way people can support the program is by sponsoring a bowling team made up of Teen Court participants.

All proceeds from the event will go to North County Teen Court.

In addition, the Stuart Gildred Foundation will match money the event brings in up to $15,000, Moreno said.

She said she hopes to make "Spare Our Youth!" an annual event.

"If it goes well, we'd like to have it every year and just keep building on it," Moreno said.

Participants can register for the event by visiting www.cadasm.org.

Deadline for registration is Nov. 16.

For more information, contact Moreno at 925-8860, Ext. 101, or by e-mail at cmoreno@cadasb.org.