Crankers, Tweeners and Strokers Gather for Fundraiser
According to Dan Curry, “There’s always been a tradition of firefighters bowling and the Corbin Bowl was always the place.”
This year was no exception as firefighters, family, friends and Corbin Bowl regulars turned out on April 27th for the annual Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund fundraiser at the Tarzana bowling alley.
“A lot of hard work by many dedicated people goes into making this night successful,” said Keenan Porche, the LAFD ramrod of the event. “But I am always amazed by just how successful we are year after year.”
In addition to Porche and Curry, the folks at Corbin Bowl work for months in advance to bring the event together. Gary Montgomery, Rose Thomson and Judy Puyvelde, along with G.M. Bryan Alpert not only handle all the logistical functions, they provide plenty of muscle too.
“Getting all the sponsors lined up can be a very time consuming job,” remarked Angel Zobel Rodriguez, Corbin Bowl’s youth coordinator who made dozens of phone calls and sent out scores of e-mails to drum up support.
Getting the word out to the community is always a challenge, but Rodriguez’s connection with Channel 5 helped to make that a little easier again this year. KTLA sent out reporter Allie Mac Kay for a live pre-publicity plug on the morning show that ended up running again and again throughout the day.
When word got out that there was going to be free pizza and yogurt, it was no surprise that big red would show up. All of 93’s was able to make an appearance and enjoyed connecting with their West Valley constituents. Someone might have even captured a photo of B/C Brian Schulz with a big smile on face and a little strawberry yogurt on his chin.
Other firefighters were there for the friendly competition – ok, and the free pizza and yogurt. Alex Molina cranked out a few strikes while Juan Albarran and Truett Sparkman just showed up for the camaraderie. The team of firefighter family volunteers Emily Pizinger, Jeanne Urquiza, and Jessica & Nikki Chavy enjoyed their time on the lanes, as did the team of dedicated WODFF sponsors Bob Sherwin and Gold Lee.
Besides the fun out on the lanes, there was a silent auction and a raffle with the winners taking home bowling shoes from Linds, a bowling ball, brunch at the Smokehouse, gift certificates for Maggianos and Stone Fire Grill, and a two-night stay in Las Vegas. In addition, there were golf package prizes donated by El Caballero, Braemar, Woodland Hills and Mountain Gate Country Clubs.
Other generous sponsors included the NLAC USBC Bowling Association, RMB Packaging Co., Karina Fraley Century 21 Realty, Lewis/Marenstein/Wicke/Sherwin & Lee, Liberty Letterpress, Mission Hill Bowl, Bob Reed Chamber Sheet Metal, Ameci Pizza, Law Offices of Berkowitz & Cohen, Coco’s Restaurant, Horwath Family, Ron Fradkoff, Shelly Cohen, Harley’s Simi Bowl, Susan & Cindy Stearns, Yogurtland and New York Life Insurance Company.
All in all, it ended up a great night for everyone, and especially for the WODFF – with more than $8,000 raised for the charity.
By Dave Wagner
Photos by Ky Wagner
