For many of us, there are few places in the world that breed stronger feelings of nostalgia and comfort than the local bowling alley. The slick-soled shoes, the thundering crackle of pins careening off one another, and the smiling faces on bowlers of all sizes summon memories of past glories on the lanes.

"The Dude Hates Cancer!" (TDHC) Charity Bowling Tournament packages everything we love about this national pastime -- the camaraderie, the music, the post-strike dance moves, and the competition -- into an event that serves an even greater purpose: raising money and awareness for blood cancer research. All money raised at the event goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. Since its inception in 2006, TDHC has raised over $10,000 for LLS and each year the tournament has grown considerably (participants raised $5,114 in 2008 alone!).

This year, TDHC moves into a beautiful new home at North Bowl Lounge and Lanes in Northern Liberties with expectations of shattering the totals from previous years. In fact, organizers have set the rather lofty goal of raising $25,000 this year for LLS. With your help, we can do it! "The Dude Hates Cancer!" is scheduled to take place on August 22nd, 2009 and we hope you'll join in the fun while raising money for a wonderful cause!