HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Bowlers, cancer survivors, families and community supporters came together Thursday night at Tarheel Lanes in Hendersonville for the 10th annual Strikeout Childhood Cancer bowling tournament, raising thousands of dollars to support childhood cancer research.
The event, part of a nationwide fundraising effort through St. Baldrick’s Foundation, brought participants together for an evening of bowling, entertainment, auctions and community support, all with a common goal: helping fund research to find cures for childhood cancers.
Organized by local volunteer Barbara Ritchey, the fundraiser had generated $14,732 as of Friday morning, just shy of its $15,000 goal.
Held at Tarheel Lanes, the event filled bowling lanes with teams competing for bragging rights while supporting a cause that affects thousands of families each year. The evening also featured music from DJ Sandy McCosh, a silent auction, awards presentations and opportunities for attendees to meet local families whose lives have been impacted by childhood cancer.
“Every dollar raised helps move childhood cancer research forward,” organizers said, noting that St. Baldrick’s is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the United States.
More than 100 participants took part in this year’s tournament. Among the top individual fundraisers was Ritchey, whose campaign raised more than $1,740. Other leading fundraisers included Dee Gambrell and Cynthia Howard.
The event’s top fundraising teams included Bluaxis Strikers, which raised more than $1,800, followed by SplitsERs and the HCSO Incredibowls team.
According to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States. Funds raised through events like Strikeout Childhood Cancer help support research aimed at developing better treatments and ultimately finding cures.
Organizers say the annual tournament continues to grow thanks to strong community support and the commitment of participants who return year after year to help make a difference for children and families facing cancer.