FRANKLIN—The Franklin Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser is on a roll.

Some 20 teams already have registered for the club’s annual Bowl-a-Thon on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Franklin Bowling Center. That tops last year’s event, when 16 teams raised nearly $15,000 for local charities.

But more bowlers are welcome and needed, said event Chairman Jim Strozier.

“We’ve always felt like 25 teams should be doable,” Strozier said. “This year Elliott (Whitfield) and Taylor (Williams) have put some additional effort into recruiting teams, and that has paid off.”

Prospective bowlers have good incentive to sign up: The participant who raises the most money will choose between a three-night cruise from Miami to the Bahamas (plus $350 in travel money to get to and from Miami) and a cookout for 50 people, courtesy of Rotarian and Franklin City Attorney Williams, who is an avid barbecuer.

Trophies will be awarded to the team with the highest score and to the top individual male and female bowlers. Door prizes will be given throughout the three-hour event, which starts at 1 p.m., preceded by registration at 12:30 p.m.

Each five-member team is asked to raise at least $625, or $125 per person, in donations.

An individual who is interested in bowling but who is not part of a team will be assigned to a team.

“We’ll make room,” Strozier said. “If they want to come, we’ll fit them in.”

School groups that raise at least $500 will get to keep any additional money they raise.

Strozier said individuals or teams should register by Thursday, Feb. 25, by calling him at 377-8867, Williams at 562-8505 or Lynn Powell at 925-6531.