On Saturday January 25, 2017, “Let’s Strike Out Cancer”, a Scotch Doubles bowling tournament was held at Hilltop Lanes, 629 E. Lincolnway, in Morrison, IL. “Bethesda Blaze,” a Relay For Life Team from Bethesda Lutheran Church in (Morrison, supported by Prophetstown Royal Neighbors of America (Chapter 516), Prophetstown, IL, held this fundraiser. The annual event raises money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Whiteside County. This tournament offered door prizes, snacks, and several raffles with all proceeds donated. Two shifts, with 96 bowlers, took turns on the lanes.
This year’s event raised $1,819.25, with an additional $1000 in Matching Funds donated by Royal Neighbors of America (Chapter 516). A total of $2,819.25 was raised.
“Bethesda Blaze” team has ranked as one of the top three Relay For Life teams in Whiteside County for the past eight years. In 2016, the team placed second in the County. Formed in 2001, the Blaze team has raised over $112,529 in the fight against cancer. Fundraising campaigns have included bake sales, Scotch Doubles bowling events, breakfasts at DQ Grill & Chill, motorcycle rides, guest bartending nights, silent auctions, and raffles. This is on top of personal fundraising campaigns and matching funds.
The team would like to thank everyone who attended the Scotch Doubles bowling tournament to support their fundraising campaign. Special thanks go to Mike Hamilton, owner of of Hilltop Lanes, and to Royal Neighbors of America (Chapter 516) of Prophetstown.
The Relay For Life event will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at Hinders Field in Rock Falls, IL.
Pictured left-to-right are front row: Betty Dennis,Prophetstown Royal Neighbors (Chapter 516) Recorder/Treasurer; Alicia Burkholder, Team Captain for Bethesda Blaze; Donna Brooks, RNA member; middle row: Blaze members Andrea Dalton, Jen Chambers, and Mary Ellen Brackemyer; back row: Blaze members Nancy Usterbowski and Mike Hamilton.