This Saturday, Niles residents are invited to lace up their bowling shoes and deliver a “strike” to cancer, as they join the Four Flags United States Bowling Congress in raising money for the Southwest Michigan Susan G. Komen Foundation in the 11th annual Niles Bowl For a Cure.
The event has two shifts for bowlers. The first starts at noon and the second shift begins at 4 p.m. at Joey Armadillos, located at 2732 S. 11th St, Niles.
Participants will bowl three games of ninepins. Those in attendance can also listen to DJ Erika Rene and join in a silent auction, raffle and 50/50 raffle.
Event Coordinator Chris Marlin, of Niles is expecting 250 bowlers to participate in the event.
“This is a fun event that people can let loose and enjoy themselves,” Marlin said. “Dance in the lanes, bid on items, buy raffle tickets and just plain have fun and do it for such a great cause.”
The event has raised $130,000 for the Southwest Michigan Susan G. Komen Foundation since it first started in 2006. Last year, the event raised $21,000.
This year they are hoping to raise at least $20,000. So far they have raised $10,000.
Besides raising money for a good cause, Marlin said it is great to see so many members of the community step up to help with the project.
“It takes an entire team of people to put this event together,” she said. “We have companies and people that sponsor banners for the lanes, businesses that sponsor our t-shirt sales and lots of donations.”
Through this support, the event has become the largest fundraiser for the foundation, outside of their event.
“We have become a vital part of their fundraising,” Marlin said.
Seventy-five percent of the funds raised will stay local to Michigan, including helping Lakeland put on Pink Saturdays, where women get free mammograms. The other 25 percent of the raised funds will contribute to national cancer research.
“Cancer has affected so many of our lives that we all felt this was a great way to promote awareness and help save local lives,” Marlin said.
Representatives from Susan G. Komen are also expected to show up and talk with event goers. There is also a chance that Rep. Dave Pagel will be in attendance.
Those interested in participating can by tickets at the door. Tickets cost $30.
“My philosophy is that if they can find the cure for breast cancer maybe it will lead them to the cure for all cancers,” Marlin said. “What a great thing that would be.”