1989 - Hopes, dreams and bowling for miracles

Nearing the end of the 1980s, our members remained as active as ever. Through global and more local causes, the spirit of giving back grew with amazing causes like the Romanian convoy and the Bowling for Miracles campaign. Our team also supported the Hospital for Sick Kids from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s through radiothons that became a staple volunteer event for members and employees.

Driving across Europe to support Romania

When communism fell in Romania in 1989, the world got a look at just how real the pain the Romanian people went through at the time. With the reality of families being displaced and orphans facing diseases and neglect being revealed, the world felt the need to help.

Phil Shorthouse, an IOF member from Rochester, England, decided to create an inspiring campaign to support Romanians. With the backing of the IOF, the Romanian convoy was born. Phil led 20 trucks full of supplies, food, medicine and skilled workers on a journey to Romania to help out hospitals in Cluj and Comanesti in Romania.

A “Field of Dreams” for foster boys

The IOF’s sales force and High Chief Rangers got together in San Diego in 1995 to build a baseball field for the New Alternatives Center, a home for foster boys in Escondido, California. The project was called the “Field of Dreams.”

Bowling to raise millions for Children’s Miracle Network

Bowling for Miracles has always been a popular social and fundraising event for members of the IOF. The event has regularly been held since 1990, raising more than $2.4 million since its inception to 2001 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

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