Tom Bergen, inspiration for the event, smiles as he holds his prize of the Ball Buster Cup at a bowling tournament.

The fifth annual Tom Bergen Memorial Autism Awareness Bowling Tournament will take place on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 at RD’s Gorge View Lanes in Little Falls.

This year’s event is no-tap doubles and features five bowling squads: Saturday at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm, and Sunday at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. Both days also include a bake sale, Chinese auction, raffles, prizes, tournament t-shirts, and autism awareness items. Sunday there will be a paint party, hosted by Easels on the Gogh, between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm for $10 per person.

Tournament registration is $15 per person. Community members can pre-register by calling (315) 823-3630 or by stopping into RD’s Gorge View Lanes.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Arc Herkimer Autism Program, which provides support services and community opportunities to individuals with autism and their families.