SEATTLE, Wash. (Oct. 28, 2009) -- A chance meeting between 2007-08 PBA Rookie of the Year Rhino Page and 10-year-old PBA fan Tyler Cacioppo has resulted in a fundraising effort to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America on Nov. 14 in Mineola, N.Y.

Tyler has suffered from Crohn’s disease since he was 5 years old. Crohn’s disease is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive gastrointestinal tract that may occur in people of all ages, but primarily affects adolescents and young adults.

The two met during last season’s Bowling Foundation Long Island Open in West Babylon, N.Y., when Page substituted for Patrick Allen during a pro-am squad.

“We really hit it off right from the start,” Rhino said. “After the pro-am was over, Tyler’s mom (Patti) came up to me and told me about his disease and how much he enjoyed bowling with me in the pro-am.

“We have become very close and we stay in contact. I brought up the idea of running a bowling fundraiser and I have been working with them to make it happen.”

Their efforts have paid off and the first “Rhino Page and Friends: Lace Up to Strike Out Crohn’s and Colitis” bowling fundraiser will be conducted Nov. 14 at AMF Sheridan Lanes in Mineola, N.Y.

The $40 per person or $160 per four-player team donation includes three hours of bowling, shoe rental, food and refreshments. A $35 per person donation may also be made that does not include bowling.

Early entry is recommended because the event is limited to 124 bowlers.

For more fundraiser information contact Patti Cacioppo at (718) 309-5549 or by e-mail, tomsmom322@verizon.net.