Breaks, Buckets, Blowouts and Barmaids
A true team effort produced another successful Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund fundraiser on April 28th. Firefighters Keenan Porche and Dan Curry handled the logistics. Gary Montgomery, Rose Thomson and the Corbin Bowl crew provided the muscle. Task Force 93 showed up to lend their support. And the West Valley community and Corbin Bowl regulars turned out for the fun, prizes and friendly competition.
“The incredible support from the Corbin Bowl and the public is fantastic,” remarked Porche. “Year after year we have an amazingly successful event.”
In 2002, the SoCal Firefighters bowling league held a two-day tournament at the Corbin bowl and had some money left over. LAFD members Bob Clark and Dan Martin thought the WODFF should have it.
“After the success of the 2002 tournament,” remembers Dan Curry, “Gary Montgomery wanted to get involved with hosting an annual charity event. Gary is a great fundraiser. Kenan is the ramrod. I just pick up the slack.”
Everyone at the bowling alley works hard getting ready weeks in advance. Managers Bryan and Alyse, along with Krista, Angel, Zoe, Mario, Vicky and Shane make it a team effort. There was even a pre-publicity plug on KTLA’s morning show that ended up running again and again throughout the day.
“People are very generous in responding to out letters and phone calls,” said Rose Thomson. “Our league players help out in many ways. They always come through. If not – Gary does the follow-up!”
In addition to the bowling and pizza, there was a silent auction with the winners grabbing Dodger and Kings tickets, rounds of golf at El Caballero, Braemar, Woodland Hills and Sherwood Country Clubs and VIP passes to Ray Romano’s show at the Mirage. A plethora of raffle prizes included Universal Studios tickets and a host restaurant gift certificates from Brent’s Deli, Smokehouse, Stone Fire Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Mort’s Deli, Bucca di Beppo and CPK. So it ended up a great night for the WODFF – with almost $11,000 raised for the charity.
According to Dan Curry, “There’s always been a tradition of firefighters bowling and the Corbin Bowl was always the place.”
By Dave Wagner
