Carrying on a Legacy: Bowling World Owners Host Charity Event to Strike Out Cancer

In the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee, two siblings, Sherry Whitaker Ailor and Greg Whitaker, are honoring their father's memory by hosting a charity event that combines their family's passion for bowling with a mission to support cancer survivors. The fourth annual "Rollin' with the Pros to Strike Out Cancer" event, set to take place on September 21, promises to be a day filled with competition, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

Empowering Cancer Survivors, One Frame at a Time

Carrying on a Legacy of Giving

The Whitaker siblings' journey to organize this event began with a tragic loss. After their father, Troy Whitaker, passed away in a farming accident, Sherry and Greg decided to carry on his legacy by upgrading Bowling World, the business he had helped establish in 1973. This annual charity event is their way of honoring their father's memory and his commitment to the community.

A Holistic Approach to Cancer Recovery

The funds raised from the "Rollin' with the Pros to Strike Out Cancer" event will directly benefit the Putnam County Family YMCA Cancer Recovery Program, which supports around 50 survivors each year. This holistic initiative is designed to help individuals recovering from cancer, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to regain their physical and emotional well-being.

Bowling as a Therapeutic Outlet

According to Jenny Thacker, the YMCA Director of Wellness and Outreach, the event holds a special significance for the cancer recovery program. "The 'Rollin' With the Pros to Strike Out Cancer' event means the world to us at the YMCA," she said. "I've had a survivor tell me that whenever they're in the gym working out, they forget they even have cancer, and that's what we want it to be."

A Day of Competition and Camaraderie

The event promises to be a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. Bowlers from as far as Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina are expected to participate, joining forces with some of the greatest pro bowlers in the world, including Adam Barta, Clara Guerrero, Bob Learn, Jr., and E.J. Tackett, the 2024 World Bowling champion.

A Chance to Learn from the Pros

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from these renowned pro bowlers, gaining insights and techniques that can help them improve their own game. The event will feature a full day of competition, raffles, and auctions, providing a platform for both seasoned and aspiring bowlers to come together and support a meaningful cause.

Registering for the Event

Registration for the "Rollin' with the Pros to Strike Out Cancer" event is now open, and the organizers are aiming to raise $15,000 for the Putnam County Family YMCA Cancer Recovery Program. The event is set to take place on September 21, and registration will close on September 18.

A Lasting Impact

As Sherry Whitaker Ailor eloquently stated, "This isn't just another bowling event—it's a chance to bowl alongside some of the greatest pro bowlers in the world while supporting a life-changing cause." Through this annual event, the Whitaker siblings are not only honoring their father's legacy but also making a tangible difference in the lives of cancer survivors, empowering them to reclaim their health and find joy in the simple pleasures of the game they love.