WELCOME

Dear Bocce Invitational Supporter:

The 2nd Annual Bocce Invitational on Saturday, May 17th at Colonial Park in Franklin Township was considered by many a resounding success. With the help of Operation Shoebox NJ volunteers and tournament guests we were able to prepare over 850 care-packages which we expect to be in the hands of our servicemen & servicewomen in a matter of weeks.

Additionally, 75 gift bags provided by Toy’s R Us were given out to the children of Embrace Kids Foundation and event guests. We raised over $60,000 from our primary sponsor, UNICO National, secondary sponsors and contributors.The relationships that were formed are immeasurable. We believe in the end we have accomplished a noble goal. Our hope is that each and every individual who has played bocce, prepared a care package, performed for the children or donated their time to ensure it was an event to remember, is satisfied.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey and Embrace Kids Foundation through its newly formed relationship with UNICO National have made an enormous impact. This event allows us to continue the philanthropic mission within our organization and show our support of an Italian-American cultural fundraiser which has proven it has the ability to perform for local New Jersey non-profit charities.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation and The Sarcoma Foundation of America are also organizations which we hold in high regard and are pleased to have been able to include them in our venue. We are honored by the assistance of “America's Mr. Bocce” Phil Ferrari, Ciro Poppiti, Marisa Petroro, Will Jimeno and Giada Valenti. Additionally, we are indebted to Joe Piscopo, Bobby Valli, and the Rutgers University football players for their never-ending commitment to our cause.

Finally, without the time and hard work of the Somerset County Park Commission staff and rangers this event would have not been possible. Somerset County Sheriff’s Office staff and weekend detail were also instrumental in assisting in the set-up, preparation and breakdown of the packing operation. For this we are very thankful.

Until our 3rd Annual New Jersey Bocce Invitational please feel free to visit the bocce courts where every year going forward we will be here to support our troops and many other good causes.

Respectfully,

Frank Valanzola
Invitational Organizer

Frank Provenzano
Sheriff, Somerset County

Pat DeChirico
Treasurer
CWO-USMC

Mark Szczecina
Sargent, Somerset County Sheriff's Office

An Italian-American Cultural Event Sponsoring Local Charities
Located in Colonial Park, Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey

Please contact Frank Valanzola at 908.400.0851