Bowling and Books was a big success
By Donna K. Delfin
Update May 22, 2002: Books were officially sent to Lagro High School in Quezon City and Bogtong Elementary School in Pangasinan.
IRVINE, Calif., October 27, 2001--Bowling and Books drew people from all over Southern California for their book drive project/mixer at Irvine Lanes. Katipunan-USA supporters and members from West Covina, Cerritos, Anaheim, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Whittier, Buena Park, El Monte, Huntington Beach, Rancho Santa Margaita, and Costa Mesa came together for this first time event.
Books and Bowling collected books for Lagro High School in Quezon City, Metro Manila and mini-libraries of Bagong Kulturang Pinoy in Massachusetts. The event this year also marked the celebration of Filipino American History Month.
The event's charitable purpose and significance quickly took a back seat in the heat of the friendly competition as bowler after bowlers fought for the best score.
Ryan Tacazon, Katipunan-USA publicity officer, even brought "Bertha" the bowling ball and glove. That didn't stop Tri Nguyen, Katipunan-USA publicity officer, from engaging in some friendly competition.
Everyone from young to old enjoyed the bowling event. Dr. Doolittle (Alfred Pampalona) and Lucy Ricardo (Noelle Garcia) participated in our fundraiser in full costume on their way to a halloween party.
"I liked how it was fun and we got to socialize, but still collect books for the Philippines," said Katipunan-USA member E.J. Delfin.
University of Riverside Katipunan organization drove from Riverside and Monterey Park just to come to our event. Daisy Morales said, "We've been wanting to get together with Katipunan-USA for two years and here's our perfect chance."
Diana and Clark Colby have always wanted to help their Filipino community and brought their family along to our fundraiser to benefit the Philippines. Andrew, Patrick, and Victoria competed in bumper bowling Saturday night.
The girls from Eyesite Cerritos - Sheryl, Frances, Caroline, and Michelle - took the time to particpate in our fundraiser after working all day.
The book donations ranged from paperbacks, textbooks, to encyclopedias. Ernie Delfin's van burst with book donations from Books and Bowling.
The Colby family donated three boxes of books - international business, economics, business management, and children's books. Traci Greninger, 14, from Huntington Beach brought over fifty books for our book drive. Rico Garcia, 25, from Costa Mesa brought books. Regina Alcaraz stopped by Irvine Lanes to drop off books before going to the Block to promote The Debut movie.
"Our Book Drive was a success. It was a fun evening for everyone. Everyone loves bowling," Tri Nguyen said.
Founder Ernie Delfin said, "Our next step is figuring out how to ship these."
View our Bowling and Books Photo Album.
Do you want to help? We need volunteers and monetary donations!
View the supporters of our Book Drive project.
