Bowlathon to Benefit American Heart Assn.

They’ll be bowling for dollars--charitable dollars--Sunday at the Brunswick Matador Bowl in Northridge for the fourth annual American Heart Assn. Bowlathon.

Dubbed “Bowl From the Heart,” the three-hour event is an effort to raise research and community education funds to combat heart disease--the leading killer across race, age and gender lines.

The Mid-Valley/Universal City branch competition in Northridge is expected to draw about 100 bowlers and raise about $6,000, according to AHA spokeswoman Cristy Fernandez. Each participant is asked to collect a minimum of $35 in donations from family, friends and co-workers.

Teams of four--corporate groups and family teams alike--will compete in three full games, angling for awards in the categories of most donations raised, best score and the much-sought-after gutter ball trophy.

For the less athletically inclined, the Bowlathon features heart-healthy snacks and door prizes including free fill-ups at gas stations, gift certificates for meals and a personal computer worth about $1,500.

The Bowlathon begins at noon at Matador Bowl, 9118 Balboa Blvd. For information or to sign up, call the American Heart Assn. at (800) 698-1156.