Bowl-O-Rama Raises Over $8,000 for Local Charities
On Thursday, June 12, 2025 the San Mateo County REALTORS® Foundation returned to Bel Mateo Bowl for its seventh annual Bowl-O-Rama fundraiser event bringing together scores of SAMCAR members, staff, and friends for an exuberant evening of bowling, prizes, and general merriment, raising more than $8,000 to benefit housing-related charities in San Mateo County.
View photos from the Bowl-o-Rama on Flickr
Volunteers from SAMCAR's Special Events Committee greeted guests to the bowling alley where Bel Mateo Bowl staff provided exceptional hospitality including plentiful food and drink, and continuous support throughout the exhilarating two hour event.
A select few bowlers were awarded for their skill and dedication at the event. This year, two bowlers earned the Highest Score award: from Affiliate member and Gold Sponsor firm Discount Plumbing, Rob Velazquez, and 2025 SAMCAR President, Frank Vella. Setting off the speed monitors with the Fastest Ball was Chely Garcia with New American Funding. And returning to defend their Best Team title for the second year in a row was OMarshall, Inc. Gathering an impressive two full lanes of bowlers—including past NAR and C.A.R. President Vince Malta and past Millbrae City Councilmember Gina Papan—the OMarshall team also boasted an ample spectator section with most of the group in matching shirts, for a visual impact that made their repeat Best Team win undeniable.
Each winner was awarded with a special prize package in addition to the prestigious title. And all attendees present also had the opportunity to win a number of prizes as well. Items in the prize packages included gift certificates and merchandise donated by SAMCAR, members, and local businesses, listed in the event program.
As one of the signature #SAMCARGivesBack fundraising events, the Bowl-O-Rama directly benefits the SAMCAR Foundation so the group can provide grants to local charities for the remainder of the year.
Each quarter, the Foundation Council reviews grant requests from local charities and proudly supports organizations including Samaritan House, CORA, Foster City Village, Caminar, Rebuilding Together Peninsula, Habitat for Humanity and many others.
Funds for these grants are raised at fundraiser events like the Bowl-O-Rama in addition to direct contributions by SAMCAR members.
In addition to generating vital fundraising for Foundation grants, special events like the Bowl-O-Rama also create opportunities for face-to-face interactions and relationship building that are essential to the real estate business, in an informal and fun setting.
SAMCAR events are possible in large part thanks to generous contributions from annual sponsors—organizations that make annual contributions to SAMCAR to fund association activities and charitable fundraising.
Planning and staffing these events are only possible with the support of SAMCAR staff and the Special Events Committee, a group of SAMCAR members who volunteer their time to plan and staff events, chaired by Jim Enes and vice-chair Michelle Velez in 2025 with support from volunteers Naz Amir, Andrea Bologna, Toni Burrows, Margaret Faherty, Christina Galletti, Marlin Handley, Val Hardwick, Betcy Jacob, Haydee Marshall, Veronica Mora, Ann Palermo, Andrew Rodriguez, Percy Sanders, Craig Thorson, and Denise Ventura. These committee members are responsible for collecting prize donations, setting up for the event, running the guest check-in table, and making announcements.
The SAMCAR Foundation encourages housing-related nonprofits operating in San Mateo County to apply for grants from www.samcarfoundation.org Grant application deadlines February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 to be considered during that quarter.
Press Release 
