Dio Cancer Fund co-founder Dr. Sandy Kapoor tells the crowd about Dr. David Wong's research for early cancer detection (l to r): Dr. Kapoor, Dio Cancer Fund co-founder/President Wendy Dio, Jason Belmonte, Eddie Trunk and Dr. Wong.

The fifth annual BOWL FOR RONNIE Celebrity Bowling Party, benefiting the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, was held 11/7 at PINZ Bowling Center in Studio City. Once again sold out, the event raised more than $50k for the music-based cancer charity.

Over 300 rockers, bowling enthusiasts, Dio fans and Dio Cancer Fund supporters made up the capacity crowd at the event hosted by broadcast personality Eddie Trunk, who is heard on SiriusXM's Volume channel and whose TV series TrunkFest airs on AXS-TV. Also joining the festivities this year was the number one bowler in the world, Professional Bowling Association world champion Jason Belmonte, who bowled a ceremonial strike to open the competition.

This year's attendees included: Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses, Adler's Appetite), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Damon Fox (The Cult), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Sirius XM Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin and many more.

The Dio Cancer Fund presented Dr. David Wong, whose research team at the UCLA School of Dentistry is closing in on a simple, non-invasive saliva swab test for early cancer detection, with a check for an additional $25,000 toward their research.

Highlights of the 2019 BOWL FOR RONNIE can be viewed here. The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund will host a 10th Memorial Awards Gala on February 20, 2020 at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. For updates and ticket info go here.

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund was founded in memory of the legendary rock singer Ronnie James Dio, who lost his life to gastric cancer in 2010.

Photo: Sharon Weisz