August 14, 2025 was a night filled with fun, laughter, and community as the IRC CAC clients gathered for our annual Bowling Night at Empire Bowl. This event brought together friends, staff, and community partners to enjoy a night of connection, games, and delicious food—all at no cost to our clients.
We are deeply grateful to In-Roads Creative Program Inc. for their continued support of CAC events. Their generosity allows our clients to attend these gatherings free of charge, removing barriers and creating more opportunities for friendship, socialization, and joy. As one of our valued partners, they help make events like this possible for everyone.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Wayne Phelps, General Manager of Empire Bowl, and his outstanding team. Their staff was caring, supportive, and flexible in accommodating our IRC clients, ensuring every participant felt welcome and comfortable. The facility provided a warm and inclusive atmosphere that made the night truly special.
“We are so thankful to Sharon Barton and all the people at In-Roads for stepping up and sponsoring this event, which allowed us to hold the event free of charge to members of our community,” said Ismeth Estrada, a Client Advocate at IRC. “And a special shoutout to Wayne and his team at the Empire Bowl, who made the planning process for this event very easy and was a wonderful host for all the IRC Clients who showed up.”
Food, Fun, and Flavor
No celebration is complete without great food—and this year’s spread did not disappoint! Guests enjoyed freshly prepared tacos with options from savory pork to tender chicken, paired with a variety of toppings including cheese, salsa, beans, and rice.
“It was one of the first times I remember for any of our events that we served tacos”, said Gregory Harrison, another Client Advocate at IRC. “And they did not disappoint! The Empire Bowl Staff were also very accommodating in their service, making sure everyone at the bowling alley was able to eat while they roll.”
Games, Laughter, and Lasting Memories
Beyond bowling, clients had the chance to enjoy an exciting variety of games at the arcade, adding extra fun and friendly competition to the evening. However, the main attraction remained the bowling alley, where strikes and spares sparked cheers, laughter, and plenty of high-fives. Most importantly, it was a chance for clients to create friendships and build memories together.
“Time flies when you are having fun,” said Client Advocate Quila Bell. “I wish there was more time to visit the arcade, but the bowling was so much fun, and it was more than enough.”
About the IRC CAC
The IRC Client Advisory Committee (CAC) is a social and advocacy program for Inland Regional Center clients ages 16 and older. It’s a place to connect with friends and peers, feel welcome and included, and stay updated with the latest IRC news, CAC information, event updates, flyers, and promo videos for our big events. Members can also join in for friendly discussions, share resources, and support one another in a positive and inclusive space.
The group is ASL friendly and encourages dialogue, questions, and community connection. Admins maintain a respectful environment by ensuring all posts are positive and free from offensive content. While the group cannot discuss details of specific IRC consumers or cases, it remains a safe and engaging place for members to interact.
If you’d like to join the IRC CAC Facebook group, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/557380457802319/
For questions about CAC, please contact:
- Gregory Harrison – IRC Consumer Advocate – [email protected]
- Ismeth Estrada – Consumer Support Tech I – [email protected]
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