Ancona’s Wines Hosts Championship Fundraiser
The battle for the esteemed title of Branchville Champion Bocce Team will be waged on Saturday, September 12, on the Ancona bocce court. Nine teams representing various local charities will play in the First Annual Branchville Charity Bocce Tournament in the name of fun and fundraising.
“We're excited to host a tournament that will benefit such important organizations in the community,” said Mitch Ancona, bocce enthusiast, tournament referee and proprietor of the bocce court. "This is a great opportunity to enjoy the fun game of bocce, show off your skills – or lack thereof – and share the camaraderie of a team sport, all while supporting local charities.”
Each team will consist of four players, who will be competing for monetary donations to their represented organizations, including: The Ridgefield Library, the Wilton Library, Redding’s Mark Twain Library, the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department, the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department, Branchville Civic Association, Danbury Women’s Center, A Better Chance and Ann’s Place.
Four teams will play a “round robin” in the morning, and the others will play in the afternoon. The top two teams from each set will play in the Championship Rounds.
In addition to the trophy and bragging rights, prizes include donations made to the charities for the top four teams: First place: $1000; 2nd place: $500; 3rd place: $250; 4th place: $100.
Bocce is played by throwing a small ball, called a pallino, onto the court. Players then bowl larger balls toward the pallino to see who can get the closest. It can be played in teams, as in the tournament, or one-on-one. The game requires strategy and accuracy, but can be enjoyed by players of all ages and athletic abilities.
The bocce court, which was professionally rebuilt by the Nazzaro Brothers three years ago, is located at the front of the Ancona’s Wines and Liquor Store parking lot, on Route 102. As is customary of bocce courts, it measures 10’ x 60’.
The First Annual Branchville Charity Bocce Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 12 (raindate of September 13). Games will begin at 8 am and run all day, with the Championship Round scheduled for 4 pm.
“The bocce tournament is a culmination of the traditional Ancona business objective,” said Ancona. “Focus on family, community, and charity – with a good dose of fun. “