There are few activities more satisfying than a relaxing game of bowling. Thanks to the WCA, your next game could be twice as satisfying, knowing that you could be saving a life.
On Feb. 27, WCA Hospital will be hosting a "Strike Out Heart Disease" bowling event at Fountain Bowl bowling alley, with all proceeds going towards the WCA heart center.
"February is national heart month," said Karl Sisson, WCA director of development. "One of the objectives of WCA Hospital is to promote good health, and heart health is at the top of that list."
Statistically, a quarter of all Americans die from heart disease-related complications. Sisson emphasized that nearly every person has had a relative or friend who has succumbed to heart disease.
Last year, WCA Hospital held a tribute to those who were battling or lost their battle to heart disease by having family members hold a red light outside of the hospital. There were enough participants that the spectacle surrounded the entire hospital.
"It was really powerful," said Sisson. "It was really a good thing. This year we got together and said, 'last year was very powerful, but what can we do that's more fun? To allow us to promote good heart health, pay tribute to cardiac patients and raise some money along the way to further our cardiac care?' All that being said, it resulted in this Strike Out Heart Disease bowl-a-thon."
Sisson said that WCA Hospital chose Fountain Bowl as its location because they have 28 lanes, which would allow for 280 bowlers to participate.
Interested participants can sign up as individuals, or as teams of two. Sisson emphasizes that the event is for everyone, not just experienced bowlers.
Heart-healthy snacks, a short speech from a WCA physician as well as heart-disease survivor Mike Goldman, and a chance to participate in a basket auction will be included during the festivities.
Additionally, paper hearts to be displayed can be purchased during the bowl-a-thon for $1 each. All the proceeds generated from these sales will also go to the WCA Heart Center.
Registration forms for the event are available at WCA Hospital, as well as Jones Memorial Health Center and Fountain Bowl.
Registration for the event starts at 5 p.m., with bowling to begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $10, which covers shoe rental and two games of bowling.