LAFD Bowling Benefit

Every year in the month of May there are quite a few X’s and even more /’s, but the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund is always the big winner at the annual bowling tournament held at Corbin Bowl. LAFD members, families and friends are joined by special guest celebrities, public supporters and can win all sorts of exciting raffle prizes — all while having a great time bowling

If you would like to volunteer or become a sponsor, contact us:
Email: events@lafra.org
Phone: (323) 259-5215

If you would like to become a donor for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund,
visit our donation page here: DONATE!

19616 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana CA  91356

2010 Bowling Benefit Highlights

By: Rachel Kellogg | June 2010

Los Angeles Firefighters enjoyed an evening with friends, family and supporters as they knocked down pins and tossed bowling balls down the alleys at Corbin Bowl on Sunday, May 2, 2010. With many thanks to Corbin Bowl’s general manager Gary Montgomery, LAFD Staff Assistant Keenan Porche, the Corbin Bowl staff and superstar volunteers Valerie Lawrence and Lydia Andrews, firefighters launched, yet, another successful night of bowling - benefiting the Widows, Orphans, and Diabled Firemen’s Fund. The Los Angeles Fire Department Bowling for Charity Benefit at Corbin Bowl is a fundraiser that helps the families of LA firefighters who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

“It was nice this time because we had some actual widows who were there to benefit and it was nice to see their faces with the appreciation of everyone being there,” said Porche, an organizer for the Bowling Benefit and Battalion 4 Staff Assistant at Fire Station 5.

Montgomery admitted his favorite part of supporting the fundraiser was “coordinating the whole thing, getting the donations and selling spots for people to show up.”

“We had 18 lanes going,” said Montgomery, “and with all of the gifts that we got donated, we had a raffle…we supplied soda and pizza for everybody and had a couple of guest stars.”

 Those stars included Brad Garrett (who played the brother, Robert, on TV hit-show Everybody Loves Raymond) and police officer, singer and actor Bobby Sherman, who attended the event and shook hands with nearly everyone.

“I really appreciate Brad Garrett and Bobby Sherman – whose poster was on my wall when I was a teenager – for their support and for coming out; it was really cool to meet them,” said Juliet Brandolino, Event Coordinator for the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.

The benefit at Corbin Bowl began four years ago as a Southern California-wide tournament. This year the turn-out was bigger than ever before. With a special thanks to Corbin Bowl patrons, the event raised more than 6,500 dollars to help families who have lost a loved one dedicated to serving and protecting others.

“When we did the first Southern California tournament here, I put together three or four thousand dollars…and the firefighters told me that they’d like it to go to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund,” said Montgomery.

Longtime supporters also joined LAFD members, families and friends for this fun night of games and prizes. Wells Fargo Advisor Kevin Wright attends every year.

Brandolino says it was great to see Alex Molina of the Fire Prevention Bureau and Firemen’s Relief Association Trustee Steve Domanski, as well as Fire Station 93’s A-shift out in support.

Many great raffle prizes were given out to supporters who attended. Bowling balls and lessons were rewarded to Valarie Lawrence and Minnie Robbins. Other exciting raffle prizes included restaurant gift certificates, Dodger tickets, Kings tickets, an autographed helmet, a photography session, a Disney-filled gift basket and a Starbucks gift basket.

“We were so excited to see all of the things Gary Montgomery had gotten donated for the fundraiser,” Brandolino thankfully remarked. “Gary and Keenan both worked very hard to make this a successful event and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

The 2010 Bowling for Charity’s organizers and supporters are already excited about the next tournament and what it will bring for next year.  Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 1, 2011 because the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association and the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund are expecting the benefit to be even bigger and better. Brandolino is confident that the patronage through volunteers, sponsors and donors will be more significant than the year before.

“Next year, we are really looking forward to seeing even more firefighters and hopefully more celebrities,” said Brandolino.

The Bowling Benefit is not possible without our great volunteers, sponsors or donors. Show support and appreciation to our brave heroes by getting involved. It's a way to say thank-you to the men and women who we rely on, as a community, in times of need and emergency.

To view highlights of the event click here