With bowling being the number one participation sport in the world, it is only natural to think that a fundraiser on that scale would be a success.

That is just what the United States Bowling Congress thought in 2000 when it jumped on board with the Susan G. Komen foundation to raise money for breast cancer.

Bowl for the Cure, as it was called, was formed and was incorporated across all aspects of sanctioned bowling worldwide.

The event is comprised of fundraising by selling items such as pink wrist bands, and even bowling balls with the infamous ribbon on them.

Bowl for the Cure has exceeded expectations, showing the family atmosphere of league bowling. Nearly everyone knows someone close to them that has been affected by breast cancer, and nearly every bowling center has had its share of it as well.

This has caused more and more people to get in on the effort.

This event also features tournaments and fun bowling parties to raise money as well, and varies from center to center. Our own All American Ladies league is a big supporter of the Bowl for the Cure, raising money year round for the cause and kicking things into high gear in February.

Since 2000, Bowl for the Cure has raised over $9 million, with $733,000 coming last year alone.

This year, Bowl for the Cure has gone one step further, taking advantage of the internet. They have set up a website, www.bowlforthecure.com where people can go online and easily make a donation.

In exchange for your donation, you will received a pink Bowl for the Cure wristband. Donations can be anywhere from $10 - $10,000.

Additionally, the USBC is a huge partner with many fundraising charities and they are always assisting with new causes, either locally or nationally.

At www.bowl.com you can see a list of these and contribute to any or all of them. Right now, a donation also enters you to win a custom Bowl for the Cure / USBC bowling ball which will be one of a kind.

If you have a local charity that is looking to put on a fundraising event through bowling, email me at ecitybowler@yahoo.com and I will be glad to give you some ideas and point you in the right direction.

Now get out there and make that donation to help at least one of the 200,000 women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Note: Last week’s scores were not available at presstime.

Lee Owen is a bowler who lives in Elizabeth City