Credit Unions of Rhode Island Bowl for Special Olympics Rhode Island
Event raised more than $21,000
On Wednesday, March 28th, 124 bowlers representing eight credit unions in Rhode Island gathered at East Providence Lanes for the “Strike for Gold” Bowling Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI), raising a total of $21,000 from the evening’s event. The crowd was excited for a night of fun and friendly competition for the sought-after bowling trophy. From lane 1 to 31, one could hear the laughter and cheering from spectators who came to support the bowlers as they rooted for their team members.
David Dupere, CEO Wave FCU & Social Responsibility Chair welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their support. Special Olympics Rhode Island President/CEO Ed Pacheco reiterated the same sentiment adding that because of the support from the credit unions in Rhode Island, more than 3,000 athletes in the state participate in sports events through Special Olympics Rhode Island all year long.
The team from Coastal1 Credit Union, Melissa Book, Justin Kidd, Tammy Lavallee, and Suzy Pages, bowled an impressive score of 1,078 pins down claiming the trophy again this year. The Wave Federal Credit Union team, Joseph Siddall, David Jolin, Eric Siddall, and Chris Lapierre claimed 2nd place with 1039 pins.
The top fundraising teams and individual included the following: 1st Place Team – Rhode Island Credit Union – Nancy Zeppa, Gary Moukhtarian, Stacy Arnold & Dana Taglianetti. 2nd Place Team – Coastal1 CU – Alley Cats-Justin Kidd, Melissa Book, Suzy Pages, and Tami Lavallee. The largest amount raised by an individual was Nancy Zeppa from Rhode Island Credit Union.
Rounding out the evening is the raffle drawings with the numerous prizes donated by many credit unions and CCUA.
The Social Responsibility Committee extends its sincere thanks to Special Olympics Rhode Island, the credit unions, all the bowlers, and many vendors who made this a wonderful night full of energetic and skilled competition but mostly regardless of bowling ability, a chance to catch up and socialize. The real winners … the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island.
