about us

Bocce with the Brothers was born from the same spirit of service that ignited Shelving Inc. President Mike Schodowski’s lifelong commitment to the Capuchin friars. Having witnessed the profound impact of their work firsthand, Mike sought to create a community celebration that embraced the full spectrum of the Capuchin Ministries. While sister events like Benefit on the Bay focus their support on the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Bocce with the Brothers was designed to shine a light on every avenue of the friars’ mission—supporting everything from the soup kitchen to the Solanus Casey Center and their various outreach programs.

The heart of this event has always beat at Villa Penna. Since its inception, the Penna family has stepped forward with incredible generosity, opening their doors and providing a home for the event every year. Their partnership has been the cornerstone of the event’s success, allowing the gathering to grow bigger and better with each passing season. What started as a modest vision has transformed into a premier community extravaganza, fueled by the Pennas' hospitality and a shared dedication to the friars.

The philosophy behind the event remains simple yet powerful: the goal is always to provide the Capuchin Ministries with even just $1 more than they had the day before. This relentless drive for incremental good has resulted in a vibrant, high-energy evening featuring live music, authentic Italian cuisine, and, of course, the signature bocce ball tournament that brings friends and supporters together on the court.

Today, Bocce with the Brothers stands as a testament to what happens when local families and businesses unite for a common cause. Through the continued support of the Schodowski and Penna families, the event ensures that the legacy of the Capuchins continues to thrive across all their programs. It is a celebration of faith, family, and the joy of giving, proving once again how much we can accomplish when we work together to support those who serve our community.