On Sept. l6 the Columbus Lodge 2143 held its 3rd Annual Sons of Italy-Arthritis Foundation Charity Softball Game at John J. Burnes Park in Massapequa. The result was a 220 percent increase in corporate donations to benefit the Long Island Arthritis Foundation (LIAF).

"Three years ago, Vinny DeRosa (past president of the Columbus Lodge), David Weiss (WALK-FM) and Patricia Brasley (executive VP at LIAF) backed the idea and we went forward," said Columbus Lodge's Ed Bochynski. The idea was to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation through a fund-raising softball event. This year the American Softball Association (ASA), the accounting firm of KPMG, the Massapequa chamber of Commerce, WALK-FM97.5 and UWF champion Sunny Beach teamed up with the Columbus Lodge.

According to Columbus Lodge's Frank Curran, this year's increase in corporate and civic interest was a series of coincidental events. Bochynski, a former senior manager at KPMG, contacted Managing Partner Larry Waldman and KPMG got involved immediately. Through discussions between Bochynski and Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Ventiera, the chamber became involved.

But it was Mr. Bochynski's business relationship with Mike Rose, (both men are employed at North Shore-LIJ Health System), which brought the ASA into the event. "I asked Mike if he would umpire the event and he asked me if we would like two umpires," said Bochynski. Under the determination of Massapequa Park's Mike Rose, the American Softball Association joined the event.

This year pro-wrestler Sunny Beach joined forces with KPMG and played against the Columbus Lodge Golden Lions. The event began with WALK-FM's David Weiss once again providing an exciting play-by-play broadcast of the game, the two teams taking the field and home plate umpire Mike Rose shouting, "Play ball!"

A first inning leadoff homerun by KPMG's Tom Galgano and a 2-run double by UWF Champion Sunny Beach, set the tone for a 14-6 victory over the Columbus Lodge. Golden Lions Ron Gandolfo hit a run scoring triple in the sixth moved the Lions to within four runs, 8-4, but that was as close as they came. "Even the Yankees lose," said New York State Trustee Dan Calontone.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints usually caused by wear and tear, injury, or infection. There are more than 100 types of arthritis ranging from mild to disabling. Formed in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation is the only national, volunteer health organization searching to find the causes behind all forms of arthritis and the means for their prevention and cure. For the past 12 years, the LIAF has helped support research, community education, and services for people with arthritis.

As a result of the Columbus Lodge's participation in various charitable softball events, local charities raised more than $103,000, during the 2000 season and over $337,000 since the team's inception. Included among the charities that have benefited are the Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Easter Seals Society, the Ronald McDonald House and the Arthritis Foundation.

The Columbus Lodge is located at 2143 Boundry Avenue in South Farmingdale and offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming a member of this organization, one may contact Pete Gisonda at (516) 798-3972.