On Sunday, February 25, City Lanes hosted Bowl for a Cure, a fundraiser organized by the Michigan City Bowling Association and sponsored by many local businesses including Allegius Credit Union. All proceeds from the event went to the Franciscan Health Michigan City Breast Care Center. The main theme for the day was breast cancer awareness. The entire bowling alley had a moment of silence for those the community have lost to breast cancer. In honor of those people, the bowling alley was a sea of pink, as everyone was wearing pink.
One aspect of the afternoon was for every perfect score of 300 bowled, the Michigan City Bowling Association donated $25 to Franciscan Health.
“I have two friends. One is a breast cancer survivor. She has helped me tremendously as well as her friend, Cheryl. I am so happy to see this big of a turnout. We hit our goal last year of $8,000, we raised $16,800. My goal this year is $10,000, so hopefully we will hit that,” said Cheryl Hale, Chairperson for Michigan City Bowling Association.
The community came together to make this event happen. Families from around the community donated prizes and gift baskets in which were used for a raffle drawing. This made the event worthwhile and added a little extra to their time there.
“Every lane is sponsored by Franciscan Health. All the money goes to Franciscan Health. Every penny that we collect today goes to them. Last year, we had 141 bowlers and this year we are at 147. Everybody wears pink today in support of Breast Cancer," said Hale.
"There are a lot of families that have donated gift baskets and prizes. This is an awesome thing for the community to do. I call them my angels, I believe in angels, and everybody's giving up their Sunday to come in and help us along and make donations as well. This is a good job to have right now."
Families at the event were playing for more than just friendly competition. Some were in attendance for much more than bowling.
“Just getting to spend time with family and enjoy quality time is great. My favorite is always competition. It's competitive no matter what, but mainly supporting breast cancer. We put this team together last year, but I started Bowling for the Cure about 17 years ago with my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. For three years straight, we had about four lanes. Eventually, we stopped doing it, then I wanted to start back up again because my Aunt is a survivor of breast cancer, so I started back up and got a team together,” said Heather Hairston, a bowler in attendance.
This event has meant a lot to those who have been affected by breast cancer, whether personally or someone they know. Hale went above and beyond to make sure to spread the word of this magnificent afternoon.
“I went from store to store, called places, and found people that wanted to make this happen just as much as me. I made a lot of phone calls and there was a lot of footwork but it was all worth it. Jayne Johnston, my boss, donated this place to us and there is no charge. She has donated the whole house for us to use today. It's awesome and she has been a great help in all this,” said Hale.
All-in-all, the community came together for something bigger than themselves. Today showed that even in the midst of life, kindness and caring for those who need it is what brings people together.
“Seeing everybody have a good time is amazing to see. They are here for a reason and are all having a good time here. Last year was awesome and I am grateful for the turnout this year as well,” said Hale.
For more information visit www.allegius.org.
