Smith: Bocce for a cure

Who knew that an afternoon of bocce, accompanied by a little something to nosh and sip, could help defeat diabetes?

The neighborly bocce tournament Saturday at the courts in downtown Santa Rosa’s Juilliard Park provided the contestants an ideal opportunity to play while donating to the mission of the American Diabetes Association.

Hosting “Bocce for a Cure” were pals Rich Gravelle and Daniel Goodwin. Both of them cyclists fairly new to the globally beloved ball-rolling game, they have for several years entered a team in the Tour de Cure bicycle ride that benefits the Diabetes Association.

The pair conceived the bocce tournament as a fun way to raise more money to battle the disease that has impacted the lives of a number of their family members and friends. Both Gravelle’s father and his stepmom struggle with diabetes, and he knows he’s at risk to develop it.

Complementing Saturday’s double-elimination tournament were about $5,000 worth of raffle prizes as well as plentiful refreshments.

There was Lagunitas beer, and wines from Peterson Family Winery, Sunce Winery, Vingavé and other Sonoma-Napa wineries. Players fortified themselves with delectables contributed by the Mary’s Pizza Shack on Summerfield Road, Ulia’s Deli and La Rosa Tequileria & Grille.

Everybody won.