NILES — Those looking to help strike out cancer will have the opportunity to raise awareness and research funds during the 13th annual Niles Bowl for a Cure.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Joey Armadillo’s, 2732 S. 11th St. in Niles. Those who attend can participate in three games of nine-pin, no-tap bowling. Erika Pickles will DJ at the event. A raffle and auction will also take place. 

For the past 12 years, volunteers from the Niles Four Flags United States Bowling Congress have hosted the event. Chris Marlin, the event coordinator, said it is an ideal way for a community to get together and fight cancer. She emphasized that people do not necessarily have to be great at the sport to enjoy the event.

“It is just a fun event for people to come and have a good time,” Marlin said. “It’s not a tournament. It’s just for fun.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Michigan Susan G. Komen Foundation for prevention and research in local Michigan counties. In the 12 years that the event has taken place, the Niles Four Flags USBC has raised about $172,000 for the cause.

“It’s amazing for a one-day thing,” Marlin said.

The event has garnered so much popularity since its inception that Marlin said they opened it up for two different shifts to allow more people to participate.

Marlin commended the number of local volunteers who make the event a reality.

“There are a lot of people that jump in and help out to get this thing going,” Marlin said.   

While those interested can sign up through the date of the event, those who register before Jan. 26 will receive a free T-shirt. The cost is $20 per person. Sign-up is available online at nilesfourflagsusbc.com or by visiting the Facebook page of Niles Bowl for a Cure. The event is open to all ages over the age of 10. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Marlin encouraged people to take part and help with the cause. “People have a blast bowling in it,” she said. “[We have] people that come back year after year. It’s only $20 to get into it and it promotes [the cause] so much.”