A quick reflection from Dan Jarashow, the “Czar” of The Ray Joiner Chess Tournament Celebrating Volunteerism:
I was tremendously impressed with how our Ray Joiner Memorial Chess Tournament went on Saturday. We had such a diverse group of about 100 chess players (K-12) from 15 area schools, and from every different background imaginable. We had volunteers of all ages, including San Gabriel Valley Key-clubbers and Kiwanis of Arcadia members, and very special visitors all the way from Arkansas. And somehow, among all the folks, from all the generations, these young chess players stood out as beacons embodying sportsmanship, patience, and the joy of chess.
Ray would’ve been proud to see it all go off so smoothly. A HUGE shout out to the Pasadena Educational Foundation for sponsoring the event. I feel so lucky to be involved with PEF. Even more, I want to shine the spotlight on the visionary for the whole event: Allison Pultz and the Planning Committee she assembled: Julie Flad, Marleni Jimenez, Lindsay Lewis, Monica Lopez, Garrett Newsom, Lisa Prado, and Jim Rispin. Wonderful job to all of you!
What a rare experience nowadays, for parents and kids to spend an entire Saturday together with food, fun, and new friends and without having to fork over some hefty check. What an inspiring gathering of Pasadena’s best and brightest. I can’t wait to see many of our competitors again when I teach in PEF’s Summer Enrichment Program next summer!
