Lunch Bunch Honors Rafer Johnson

The word Legend is probably overused too often. Overuse dilutes the effect for when speaking about true legends, such as Rafer Johnson, CA Upsilon '59. Rafer has led a life of great accomplishment, setting the benchmark a little higher for all those who follow and those who accompany him. The Pi Lambda Phi Lunch Bunch honored Rafer Johnson on August 26, 2009 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Rafer’s lighting of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. 

Rafer's younger brother and fellow Pi Lambda Phi brother, Jimmy Johnson, CA Upsilon '61, shared his stories of growing up with Rafer. Jimmy was one of the hundred in attendance who continues to live in awe of Rafer. Jimmy shared stories that connected with everyone who attended. Those stories told of a brother who was willing to let each man grow and become his own success while always there when there was any trouble. Numerous brothers shared their wonderful stories of Rafer during the program.

A test of a man's greatness is the company he keeps. Rafer selected an incredible chapter to join in 1956.  Brother Sherman Silverman spoke of the men who joined CA Upsilon, "…men still striving to improve our society, serve our communities, support our families all in the pursuit of worthy ideals."

Brother Silverman continued with, "The Johnson Brothers, Rafer and Jimmy, are two of a kind, unique in the rarefied world of outstanding individuals. They stand high above the crowd. Jimmy in his own right is also a leader among leaders, a champion among champions. We are fortunate to have shared a small fraction of our time with two truly great men who we had the good fortune to have known, to varying degrees, up-front and close."

To honor Rafer and his commitment to the Special Olympics, the Lunch Bunch generously donated $2,000 to the Special Olympics. Rafer has championed this cause since its founding. The brothers of the Lunch Bunch wanted to give to this great cause and honor Brother Rafer Johnson for his lifelong dedication.

The luncheon was an incredible day of brotherhood and fellowship. The event spoke volumes of the honoree, Rafer Johnson, as well as the attendees. Paul Hittelman, CA Upsilon '59, shared "The very idea that after these many years we can still generate such strong feelings of brotherhood, affection and mutual respect is exhilarating.   It is the direct product of the reasons that brought us to the fraternity to begin with."

The luncheon was made possible by the volunteers of the Lunch Bunch. Mitch Egers, CA Upsilon '56,  and Bob Lebowitz, CA Upsilon '57, did an incredible job organizing the event. 

The Los Angeles Lunch Bunch as formed from a few brothers from the CA Upsilon chapter at UCLA meeting for lunch. The group grew and all Pi Lambda Phi brothers in the Los Angeles area have been welcomed. The group regularly has attendees from the Berkeley, Florida, USC, and many other chapters. It has grown into a monthly lunch with an average of over 30 brothers of all ages. Lunches are held the last Wednesday of the month at the Mountgaingate Country Club. For more information on attending visit www.pilambdaphi.org

To view more pictures of the luncheon, visit http://www.facebook.com/PiLambdaPhiFraternity. Thank you to Sae Lee Galleries for making these pictures available.