Hawaiians use the term “Ohana” to describe an extended family and the feeling of belonging. When we bowl for the special clients of Elwyn California, we know that feeling! Since 2007, Orange Plaza Rotary has sponsored teams at the annual Elwyn California Bowl-a-Thon, which raises funds to support Elwyn’s programs providing vocational training and job placement for the disabled.
In the early days, we sometimes brought in “ringers” so we could claim bragging rights in the “Rotary Challenge” portion of the tournament. These days, we are happy to congratulate the Rotary Club of Huntington Beach or Anaheim Hills Rotary Club for their wins, as we now recruit our bowlers from some very special groups of people.
In 2015, we welcomed RYLA students Josh and Sam, along with a couple of Sam’s friends. And how terrific to welcome the Smithson family, bowling to raise autism awareness. As always, we love to see the smiling face of Aiden, a Colombo cousin, as he bowls from his wheelchair at our side.
Rotary=Ohana!