Under the glow of Valencia Lanes’ neon-lit bowling alley, Circle of Hope officials hosted their fourth annual bowling fundraiser to fight cancer, Bowling for Hope.

Circle of Hope, a Santa Clarita Valley-based nonprofit, helps residents pay for individual treatment, event organizers said.

Those faced with the high costs of cancer treatments are often faced with difficult choices, and the organization strives to make life easier for them.

“They’re people picking whether to pay for groceries or chemotherapy,” said Circle of Hope President Pam Ripling.

In order to focus the help locally, patients have to either work, live or be treated in Santa Clarita to be eligible for the organization’s aide, she explained. Circle of Hope receives no government grants, and relies on outreach and local fundraising for its support.

“We’ve grown a lot in the last year,” said Ripling. “Let’s face it, there’s nobody in this room who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way.”

The event usually raises in between $6,000 and $8,000, according to Circle of Hope VP Taylor Kellstrom, who added the event sold out about a month ago.

“It’s a very economical way to donate,” said Ripling. “(We’re) supporting people with cancer right now.”