KIESTER — Thanks to rising popularity, organizers with Kiester for a Cure have expanded their annual bowling fund raiser into a two-day event that includes auctions, food and a dance.

“Kicking Cancer in Kiester” is the theme of this year’s event, slated for Friday and Saturday at various venues around Kiester. The fun kicks off with bowling Friday night at Kee Lanes.

The fun rolls into Saturday, with a breakfast sponsored by Farmer’s Co-op Saturday from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Kiester Legion. A silent auction begins at 10 a.m. at Kee Lanes, slated to last until 6 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of bingo at Berma’s, starting at 2 p.m.

Dinner will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kiester Legion, followed by a live auction at 8 p.m. and a dance afterward. Bowling will continue Saturday evening at Kee Lanes.

Also added to the roster of events for the first time this year will be hair donations to Locks of Love. Stacey Elvebak will offer her hair cutting and styling services, free of charge, to anyone wishing to shed 10 or more inches of hair.

Organizers held their first bowling fundraiser two years ago in conjunction with the national Bowl for the Cure event after their friend, Lori Schumann, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It was a way to help Lori and show her our support,” said organizer Linda Willaby, who still tears up when she talks about it.

About $10,000 was raised after their first event, which was donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Last year, organizers donated $12,000 to Project Pink at the Albert Lea Medical Center. Funds raised from this weekend’s event will go directly to local cancer victims undergoing treatment, helping them with gas, grocery and medical expenses.

“When we started this, we focused only on breast cancer,” said Willaby. “Now, we help anyone with community ties fighting any kind of cancer.”

Although Lori lost her courageous battle to cancer last November, her legacy will live on as this event continues to grow. Kiester for a Cure became incorporated last fall, and what started as one event in 2009 has now grown to three separate fundraisers each year.

The organization’s first beef stew feed in November was deemed a success, and they were able to help 13 families from the proceeds raised. A 5K walk/run is also slated for June, with proceeds going into a scholarship memorial in Lori’s name.

“It started as one thing, and morphed into something completely different,” said organizer Rachel Lohberger. “It’s bigger than what we ever imagined.”

Organizers said eventually they will probably have to put some type of formal application into place for those wishing to receive funds. So far, the group has given donations out to people with ties to the Kiester community that they’ve heard about by word of mouth. This is something they’ve found valuable when helping others.

“Most people who we’ve helped never would’ve asked for it,” Willaby said. “They’re so grateful and send us thank you notes.”

They credit the generosity of those in Kiester and across the area for their growth and continued success.

“People in the community donate what they can, their time, help, services,” said Willaby.

Although all of the spots are filled to bowl on Saturday, as of Tuesday afternoon, a few spots remained open on Friday’s lineup. Those wishing to sign up to bowl or make donations should call 507-402-2770.