Bowling to strike out cancer on April 23

Ride for Roswell fundraising team and Russell J. Salvatore host 3rd annual tournament and family fun bowling at Tonawanda Bowling Center

Throughout the day on Sunday, April 23, the Tonawanda Bowling Center will temporarily become a hub for family fun and fundraising in support of cancer research. Team RPCS will host the third annual Russell J. Salvatore Bowling Open in support of the 2023 Ride for Roswell.

All activities start at 11 a.m. inside the Tonawanda Bowling Center, located at 574 Young St., Tonawanda. Door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, gift card drawings, silent auctions and more than 75 raffle baskets with items donated from Western New York’s top establishments will be available for attendees. More details and an event poster are available online by searching for Team RPCS at the Ride for Roswell website.

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a tribute bowl called the 57 Frame Game, in honor of the special bond between the late Team RPCS member Mary Hayward and retired Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl linebacker Lorenzo Alexander. Those participating in this activity must raise a minimum of $57 and bowl 57 frames either individually or with colleagues.

The day continues at 1 p.m. with a family and friends bowl. This activity costs $20 per person or $110 for a group of six, including two hours of open bowling, shoe rental, pizza, snacks and soda. Walk-in attendees are welcome. Legendary restaurateur Russell J. Salvatore will roll a ceremonial “first ball” to kick off the afternoon.

One lucky person who raises additional funds for Team RPCS through either of the two bowling activities will receive a generous prize from Salvatore: dinner for two at Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More and an overnight stay at Salvatore’s Grand Hotel.

Finally, from 4-6 p.m., the Russell J. Salvatore Bowling Open culminates with a singles no-tap bowling tournament. The first-place finishers in both handicap and scratch divisions will receive luxury prizes donated by Salvatore. The entry fee is $50 per division. Team RPCS encourages preregistration for the tournament by contacting Fran Bax at 716-476-4244 or [email protected].

The past two Russell J. Salvatore Bowling Open events in 2019 and 2022 collectively raised more than $13,000 toward the Ride for Roswell. Team RPCS continues to seek prize donations, team members and day-of-event volunteers. All interested should contact Patricia Bax at 716-284-6576 or [email protected].

RPCS provides evidence-based, best-practice tobacco cessation services to employees of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, health plans and employer-sponsored programs. More information is available at https://rpcs.roswellpark.org.