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Jerome Bettis gives back during his annual "Bowl with the Bus" event

Jerome Bettis shared his passion for bowling with Pittsburgh fans during his "Bowl with the Bus" event on Thursday. The event also served as an opportunity to give back to Pittsburgh's youth.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night was a win-win for Jerome Bettis.

An avid bowler who once bowled a perfect game, Bettis got to enjoy one of his passions with fans at his annual "Bowling with the Bus" event in Pittsburgh.

The event also served as a chance to benefit Bettis' The Bus Stops Here Foundation, which benefits programs for Pittsburgh youth that includes computer-engineering and mentorship programs. The foundation also helps supports asthma awareness, something that the Bus was diagnosed with as a child.

"Bowling has been a love of mine for years and years so I wanted to share that with fans and the community," Bettis said in an interview with Teresa Varley of steelers.com. I want everyone to have a great time bowling with us, but I want everyone to know the reason we are here, to help raise money and benefit programs of The Bus Stops Here Foundation. It’s about effecting change and empowering the youth of Pittsburgh.

"We feel like we have an obligation to serve the community. That is what we want to do. This bowling event is a great opportunity for us, one to get community interaction, because it’s not just me. It’s all of us lending a helping hand to make a difference. It’s a chance to give everyone an opportunity to come out and support and help. If the community helps, it will make a difference."

The event came a little more than a week or so after Bettis and fellow former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier recorded a public service announcement with KDKA radio in regards to raising money for veterans' bus passes. According to cbslocal.com, United Way of Western Pennsylvania hopes to raise $180,000 to provide transportation for 600 veterans.

Video of the event can be found HERE.