MADISON, Wis. -- Chad Simon, a Wisconsin Marine, was injured in an explosion near Fallujah in November.

Friends are trying to help him and his family pay for living expenses while his wife, Regina, takes off work from her job as a teacher to help during his recovery.

The Badger Bowl hosted a benefit Saturday to raise money for Simon's family while he recovers. People turned out in droves to bowl and bid in a silent auction. Some of the 120 auction items donated were a bit surprising.

"She donated a 1993 Nissan that just got to Madison, so it has no scratches and no rust on it; it looks brand new," said Jeff Mannel, a fund-raiser coordinator in Madison. "She just wanted to give that because she was moved by the story."

The Bowl-a-Thon was a success, raising nearly $15,000. Those who would still like to donate money to the Simon family can drop a check off at the Monona State Bank or mail it:

Monona State Bank
Attn: Barbara Berigan
P.O. Box 6500
Monona, WI 53716