The first organizational meeting was held on September 12, 2002 at Foothill Center. Carm Grande placed a small notice in The Villager newspaper, and was surprised when more than 100 people showed up. Everyone in attendance signed up for the Club that night.
The Villages bocce courts were dedicated on November 12. They were installed by Parola Construction Co., which also contributed four benches. Scoreboards, bulletin boards, and tall tables at the ends of the courts were built by members of the Bocce Club, under the direction of John Alden. More than 250 Villagers attended the dedication. In recognition of her long-time efforts to have the courts constructed, June McCann was awarded the privilege of “opening the courts” by throwing the first ball.
In the absence of any formal organization, Carm Grande pretty much handled all the administrative work by himself during these first months. He held a few informal clinics before the end of the year to introduce players to the finer points of the game, and there was open play through December, but no formal competition.
The Bocce Club submitted its request for recognition to the Villages Club Board on November 13, and received approval on December 10.
By the end of the year, more than 300 Villages residents had enrolled in the club, and there were more than 80 teams engaged in informal competition.