Members of the Columbus Lodge No. 2143 Order Sons of Italy in America softball team (the Golden Lions) recently teamed up with the New York Islanders to raise money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, at the 20th Annual Bowl for Kids Sake Bowl-A-Thon, held at the Sheridan Bowl in Mineola.

"This was pretty cool," said Daron Tripoli, shortstop for the Golden Lions. Daron was one of four Columbus Lodge members (other included: Ed Bochynski, Jeff Saviano and David Welsh) who bowled to raise money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. "This was a tangible demonstration that people care about these kids," said Ed Bochynski.

One demonstration about people's willingness to care, was by Lawrence Cipollone Jr., a Massapequa resident. "He overhead me explain to the teller why I needed to take $20 out of the bank account," said David Welsh, "so he opened his wallet and said 'if you can give your last $20 to charity, I can give you what's in my wallet.' He emptied his wallet and told me to donate it."

In addition to the Columbus Lodge No. 2143 OSIA, other volunteers included the entire New York Islanders hockey team, (which included Trevor Linden, Tommy Salo, Robert Riechel, Zigmund Palffy, Brian Smolinski), 24 representatives from KPMG LLP, employees from Astoria Federal Savings Bank, WLIR 92.7 and NEWS 12 Long Island.

Additional revenue was generated through raffles and a sponsorship journal. Among the journal sponsors were IME-CAP Labs Inc. (A Farmingdale based company), Astoria Federal Savings Bank, the Garden City Hotel, the New York Islanders, News-12 Long Island, Q-lube Marine Services and State Bank of Long Island.

After the Bowl-A-Thon concluded, Ed Bochynski (Columbus Lodge No. 2148 OSIA) and Tracy Roth (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island) discussed organizing a charity softball game between the Columbus Lodge Golden Lions and the New York Islanders. Initial discussions call for an August softball game at the Mitchell Field complex, in Uniondale.

The mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America) is to provide an opportunity for positive growth and enrichment to a child in need. This is accomplished through the companionship provided by a trusted and caring mentor, and in the provision of support service to families.

Other OSIA News: Sunday morning "pick-up" softball games will begin on April 11 and run through Oct. 1. The games begin at 9:30 a.m. at Woodward Parkway Elementary School in Farmingdale. Residents of Farmingdale and Massapequa, of all ages and ability, are welcome to play. For further information, one may contact Columbus Lodge's Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.