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Credit Unions of Rhode Island Bowl for Special Olympics Rhode Island
After a three-year hiatus, 112 bowlers representing seven credit unions in Rhode Island gathered last week at East Providence Lanes for the “Strike for Gold” Bowling Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI), raising a total of $18,470 from the evening’s event. The crowd was excited for a night of camaraderie and friendly competition for the sought-after bowling trophy to win from the defending champions, Coastal1 Credit Union. From lane 1 to 28, one could hear the laughter and cheering from spectators who came to support the bowlers as they rooted for their team members.
Cooperative CU Association President/CEO Ron McLean welcomed the group 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 Tournament competitions create the most buzz during the evening as bowlers wait patiently to hear which teams and individual raise the most or the team that wins the coveted trophy. The team from Coastal1 Credit Union Michael Silva, Audra Joseph, Laurie Flaxington, and Carlos Smith bowled an impressive score of 1,885 pins down claiming the trophy for the year. The Wave Federal Credit Union team Joseph Siddall, David Jolin, Eric Siddall, and Chris Lapierre claimed 2nd place with 1,670 pins.
The top fundraising teams and individual included the following: 1st Place Team – Coastal1 Credit Union – Justin Kidd, Melissa Book, Suzy Pages, and Tami Lavallee. 2nd Place Team – Rhode Island Credit Union – Nancy Zeppa, Nancy Seale, Dale Pafume, and Jalissa Rodriguez. 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.
