The Dude Hates Cancer Bowling Fundraiser

Sat., Aug. 22, 2 -9 p.m., free for spectators (bowling team registration is closed), North Bowl, 909 N. Second St., 215-238-2695; after-party, 8 p.m., $10, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684; thedudehatescancer.com.

by Brion Shreffler

[ benefit ]

After Robert Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia, his son, Tim, vowed to create a fundraiser for cancer research. But he didn't want it to be conventional. And more importantly, he didn't want people to need a gym membership to participate. "Other fundraisers incorporate marathons or distance walks," says Maxwell. "I wanted this to be the unhealthy fundraiser."

Calling it "unhealthy" is overstating it — proceeds, which Maxwell hopes will reach $25,000, will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, after all. By featuring bowling, however, it's certainly met the muscle-free requirement. "Bowling is the average man's sport," says Maxwell. "Everyone loves it."

This lax approach also ties into the name, inspired by the Coen brothers' classic film The Big Lebowski, whose main character "The Dude" gives a nod to both bowling and laziness. And the award for the bowling team that raises the most money is something The Dude would certainly approve of: $375 worth of booze. Plus, there will be a silent auction of to-be-determined goodies donated by The Big Lebowski star Jeff Bridges himself.

But you don't have to be a celeb — or even a U.S. citizen — to join in. "It's amazing to see how many people are willing to help," says Maxwell. "I just received $50 from a guy in England."

Sat., Aug. 22, 2 -9 p.m., free for spectators (bowling team registration is closed), North Bowl, 909 N. Second St., 215-238-2695; after-party, 8 p.m., $10, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684; thedudehatescancer.com.