In 2017, the Riding for the Cure Bowl-a-thon crowd donned pink. The fourth annual Riding for the Cure Bowl-a-thon will be held June 15th at Family Bowlaway.

BUTLER TWP — The fourth annual Riding for the Cure Bowl-a-thon will allow non-bikers to support the cause, celebrate breast cancer survivors and have a blast doing it.

Brian Hollefreund, the Riding for the Cure board member who coordinates the bowl-a-thon, said the event will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 15th at Family Bowlaway on Fairground Hill Road.

The public is invited to attend, whether to bowl, enter basket or 50/50 raffles or purchase items from the bake sale.

“Or just hang out,” Hollefreund said.

He said the event was created so those who do not ride motorcycles can participate in Riding for the Cure.

“I do this for the families,” Hollefreund said.

In its three previous years, the bowl-a-thon has raised $14,000 for Riding for the Cure, which provides funding for local breast cancer patients through the Butler Health System Foundation and the Richard G. Laube Cancer Center at ACMH Hospital near Kittanning.

The cost of admission to the bowl-a-thon includes unlimited bowling, two slices of pizza and unlimited soda.

Most bowlers assemble teams for the event, Hollefreund said.

Many participants don pink clothing to support breast cancer patients and survivors, and some come tricked out in pink wigs and crazy accessories.

“It's so fantastic to see the families there having a blast,” Hollefreund said.

One breast cancer survivor brings 55 people and uses 12 lanes, he said.

Hollefreund said while the event is pretty well planned, he has not yet secured a disc jockey who is willing to donate a few hours for a worthy cause.

Hollefreund, who began riding in 2011 and currently pilots a 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, did not expect to become involved in Riding for the Cure when he kick-started his first bike.

“I never would have thought that would happen in my lifetime,” he said, “but I see what people get out of this ride and it's a good thing.”

For prices or to sponsor a lane for a business or in memory of a breast cancer sufferer, volunteer DJ services or sign up for the bowl-a-thon, contact Hollefreund at 724-991-3811.

The Riding for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Ride will begin at 9 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. July 28 at Rock Ann Haven on Greenwood Drive.