On Feb. 25, the “Ladies Night Out” bowling league will sponsor its 8th annual “Bowling for a Cure” event at the Eagle Lanes in Eagle River.

This will be a nine pin, no tap format, with registrations to begin at 1:30 p.m. and the opening ceremony at 1:45 p.m. Two shifts are offered, one at 2 p.m. and another at 5 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is “Everyone Deserves a Lifetime,” with proceeds directed to breast cancer research and patient care funds at Marshfield Clinic.

Over the past eight years, the group has raised over $30,000 through this event, said Susanne Erickson, event organizer. In the past, funds were directed to the United States Bowling Congress, then to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“This year, we decided to partner with Marshfield Clinic to benefit breast cancer research and patient care funds, which help women in northern Wisconsin,” she said.

Erickson said some of the bowlers are either battling breast cancer currently, or are survivors.

“In my family, I lost a sister at a young age and had another contract this disease. She’s a survivor, and I’ve made it my goal to help eradicate breast cancer,” Erickson said. “Many of the women in our league have also lost family members to this disease. My fellow bowlers and I feel a very personal need to do something about helping to eliminate breast cancer in our lifetime.

“We, and other women, carry the hope that if we ourselves get breast cancer, Marshfield Clinic can help us get through it with the research to find a cure and/or patient care for all women and men in the Northwoods. We feel everyone deserves a lifetime,” she said.

Last year, 12 teams and more than 60 bowlers helped raise money with raffles, pink pin prizes and a silent auction, Erickson said. This year, she said organizers hope to expand the event by holding it on a Saturday and offering two shifts. The goal is to get 24 teams and about 120 bowlers to help with the fundraiser.

For more information about “Bowling for a Cure,” call Susanne Erickson at (715) 479-1059.