From the Press Enterprise, Corona, CA
By MARLENE TOSCANO
The Press-Enterprise
Each year Raymond Angulo Men’s Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament helps raise money for a 7-year-old who suffers from cerebral palsy. This year, sponsors said, state budget cuts have made the need a critical one.
In previous years, the annual tournament helped pay for big-ticket items like a wheelchair and walker for Joseph Raymond Angulo. However, as of July 1, the family stopped receiving Medi-Cal assistance.
So this year, the proceeds will go toward other day-to-day items such as diapers for Joseph. The diapers cost the family $197 a month, said his mother MaryAnn Angulo.
She said she thought budget cuts wouldn’t affect her son.
“I thought that because he was disabled that the state would always provide for him regardless, because he has special needs and we pay taxes. But somehow, it didn’t matter,” Angulo said.
She said her middle-class family makes too much to receive help now that the budget has been tightened. They have private insurance that pays for 80 percent of medical costs, she said.
The 20 percent they are responsible for can add up fast, Angulo said.
To add to the hardships, thieves broke into the van that is used to drive Joseph around and they had to pay for repairs, , Angulo said.
During the tournament, money is raised through raffle ticket and snack bar sales, said Diana Rae Gomez, Joseph’s cousin, who helped organize the event.
The tournament, held for the past nine years, is also an annual remembrance of Raymond Angulo. Raymond Angulo, Gomez’ grandfather, made an impact in the community, Gomez said.
“I know my grandfather was a great man, I know he touched so many peoples’ lives in so many different ways,” said Gomez in an e-mail. “I am truly amazed to hear stories of how he touched a complete stranger’s life, how he alone made a difference. This is what we celebrate every year in August.”
Raymond Angulo would have been proud to see how the family gives their time, money and love to help Joseph, Gomez said. “It’s a really cool event. A lot of the community gets together every year. …They just remember how Corona used to be,” Gomez said.
Eleven teams are coming to the Saturday tourney from different cities such as San Fernando, Santa Ana, Pala Indian Reservation and three from Corona, organizers said.
The event is sponsored by the Southern California Rebels fast-pitch organization of Corona.
Pitch In
When: 8 a.m. Saturday
Where: Butterfield Park, 1886 Butterfield Stage Drive, Corona
Information: 951-313-1568 or 951-313-1574.