Feb 23, 2005 By Jennifer Harr 3 min read

It all started with a flier. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sent one to Klondike Lanes in Masontown, hoping the bowling haunt would consider hosting a fund-raising event.

Owner Joe Pascia and his friend, Bob Hixon, ran with the idea.

And for the past six years, they watched the event grow. Now, with the seventh Bowl-For-Life bowl-a-thon on Sunday, the men are certain this will be the best year ever.

From noon to “whenever,” bowlers can make a straight per-game donation or pledge a specific amount for each pin knocked down during three games, Hixon said.

All the money goes straight to the Memphis, Tenn., hospital where researchers focus on childrens’ health problems.

“The research done at St. Jude’s is shared by all the hospitals,” said Pascia, meaning that what’s learned there is passed along to local hospitals.

Anyone who doesn’t understand why they do the fund-raiser needs to take a trip to a children’s hospital, and see the expressions of hope or dismay, or pain on the face of a child.

Obviously softhearted, the men are somber at the thought of a child who might not live another day.

“I’m never too big or too old to cry,” Pascia said. “It touches me.”

Both men said they are fueled by the thought of a child who might never get to experience his first baseball game or buy her first pair of shoes.

“You can’t imagine how good it makes me feel to help,” Hixon said.

It takes about $400,000 a day to operate the hospital. And even though the donation is small in terms of that operating cost, the men said they are pleased to help in any way.

Last year’s event netted about $5,000, and about 500 bowlers turned out. That’s a far cry from the first year, where the men made $200 or $300 from 10 or 15 bowlers. The strides the fund-raiser has made are sources of pride for both.

Both Hixon and Pascia are hopeful that this year will be even bigger and better, with karaoke, music and special guests.

Former Steeler Steve Courson, who plans to “bring his buddies,” will attend the event, Pascia said.

The Povertyneck Hillbillies are also coming back for another year, and 96.1 Kiss FM morning show hosts Mikey and Big Bob will be there too, said Hixon.

This year’s bowl-a-thon took four months to plan, and, if things keep growing, as they hope they will, next year’s will take even longer to get together.

Both Hixon and Pascia welcome that challenge.

All checks are made out directly to St. Jude, and anyone who wishes to donate, but cannot attend the function can call Hixon during the day at 724-245-0659 or Pascia in the evening at 724-583-1137.