Credit Unions of Rhode Island Support Special Olympics
March 30, 2017
The Credit Unions of Rhode Island annual "Strike for Gold" Bowling Tournament for Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) hit an all-time high with donations totaling more than $31,000. The 124 bowlers from 10 credit unions, the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) and SORI had the time of their lives as laughter and excitement filled lanes 1-31. The participating credit unions included Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union, Coventry Credit Union, Greenwood Credit Union, Kent Hospital Federal Credit Union, Navigant Credit Union, Pawtucket Credit Union, People's Credit Union, Rhode Island Credit Union, Wave Federal Credit Union, and Westerly Community Credit Union.
"We are thrilled to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our bowling tournament. The popularity and numbers for this tournament have grown immensely through the past nine years as we have raised more than $133,000 from this event alone, with the highest number of teams competing tonight," said David Dupere, chairman, Rhode Island Social Responsibility Committee, and executive vice president/COO, Wave Federal Credit Union.
"Adding an additional $31,000 tonight shows how committed Rhode Islanders are to their charity and the passion they share in supporting this great cause," he continued. "And we are grateful for their generous support and effort. It would be difficult to reach our goal of $85,000 without their support."
L-R: Rhode Island Social Responsibility Committee members Chris Eden from People's Credit Union; David Dupere from Wave Federal Credit Union; and Marianne Varatta from Greenwood Credit Union tally the donations.
SORI Executive Director Dennis DeJesus also thanked the credit unions for their continuous support on behalf of the Rhode Island athletes, "Your dedication to our athletes is beyond imaginable. The credit unions are top notch at everything you do...bowling, summer games, golf tournament, the list goes on. We are grateful to all of you and value the partnership we share."
The team from Westerly Community Credit Union - Wendy Gencarelli, Eddie Gencarelli, Court Fout, and William O'Leary - took home the tournament trophy and the glory that comes with it, bowling an impressive 1,466. Navigant Credit Union's Team of Mike Tartaglia, Randy Sacilotto, Steve Loporcio, and John Bak placed second with a score of 1,270. A special shout-out to CCUA's Dawn Roberts who bowled a "turkey" or three strikes in a row! The teams and single individual who raised the largest amount of money for SORI also claimed bragging rights. Pawtucket Credit Union's Team of John Jones, Brian Regan, Anne Tremblay, and Leslie Bergeron raised a striking $5,448. Greenwood Credit Union's Team of Joslyn Clemm, Heather Rose, Bryan Irving, and Melissa Danielian placed second, raising $3,423. The largest amount raised by an individual for the third consecutive year was Brian Regan from Pawtucket Credit Union with $2,775.
The raffle drawings also added to the night's excitement, as many credit unions vendors, such as CU Direct Corporation and Diebold, generously donated prizes.
CCUA's Social Responsibility Committee extends its deepest thanks to Special Olympics Rhode Island, the credit unions, all the bowlers, and many vendors for their overwhelming participation and support. "The fundraiser provided the opportunity to bring the credit union community together in an activity that featured some spirited and skilled competition but provided the opportunity for all, regardless of bowling ability, to just have fun," exclaimed CCUA's Donna Bevilacqua.