A few months ago I announced that our District was designated to receive a $20,000 charity grant from ACBL. I received many suggestions on how to distribute these funds after I asked our Units for suggestions. I wanted to make sure that in exchange for these grants, Bridge received its proper acknowledgment. I am pleased to report that Bridge made an impact in Los Angeles with our donations. I was able to make five, $4000 grants.
The West Los Angeles Unit received a grant for its Multiple Sclerosis Charity Bridge Game. This was their 6th year holding this game. With 40 tables they raised $8,000 and with our District’s grant, $12,000 was raised. It was a wonderful event, highlighted by Eddie Kantar giving an entertaining lesson.
The Pomona Unit received a grant for its work with the Alzheimer’s Association. It is a known fact that bridge strengthens brain cells which is a first defense against Alzheimer’s. Pomona was able to obtain matching funds, for a total donation of $8,000 by getting BAF Systems, a top ten U.S. defense company to sponsor bridge walkers at the
nationwide Memory Walk which will be held on October 28th.
The Antelope Valley / Santa Clarita Unit received a grant for its support of the Antelope Valley Committee on Aging, a non-profit corporation established in 1976 to assist in maintaining the independence of their elderly citizens. Their grant is specifically designated to provide 576 additional meals for its senior citizens. The Committee is arranging for me to make a presentation on their local radio station and write an
article in their local newspaper.
The Long Beach Unit is supporting the Long Beach Women’s Shelter, a shelter for battered women, and the Glendale -Verdugo Unit is supporting the City of Hope for its work with cancer research. I am awaiting their IRS 5019c)(3) from these two organizations.
I have received reports of many more bridge license plates. Variations of Double and ReDouble are very popular, and I remember seeing BID M UP.
Finally, don’t forget our Los Angeles Regional at our new location, the Pacific Palms Conference Center beginning October 15th. It is freeway close from anywhere in our District, it has a great new playing schedule, the hotel accommodations are excellent, and the lighting is bright.