Couple receives national award from bridge organization

For John and Theresa Federico, playing bridge isn’t just fun and games; it’s love. Both can play a mean hand, but the Kenner couple also works to maintain interest in the competitive card game. And for their efforts, the Federicos have been named the Goodwill Members of the Year by the American Contract Bridge League.

John and Theresa Federico are the co-recipients of the American Contract Bridge League Goodwill Member Of The Year Award.

“I was completely surprised and taken back,” John Federico said. “It is a great honor, and I didn’t know what to say.”

Added Theresa: “It is very humbling to receive this kind of recognition. I never thought something like this would happen to us.”

The American Contract Bridge League counts 165,000 members in 3,200 clubs. It gives the annual award to recognize unselfish dedication to the causes of good conduct, worthy participation and ethical behavior within the organization.

The Federicos are members of the Louisiana Bridge Association, Local 134, at 2709 Edenborn Ave. in Metairie. The local association boasts a membership of more than 300. Its board of directors nominated the couple for their devotion to the game.

“Being named a co-recipient of the Goodwill Award is not just a great honor. It is also a standard to be maintained and even an expectation that can be exceeded,” John Federico said.

John Federico served as district representative for six years. He also was chairman of the 2010 Summer North American Bridge Championships in New Orleans.

Theresa Federico is known among her bridge peers as someone who is always quick to lend a helping hand. She volunteers regularly with the local club, always willing to tackle any task such as mailing out fliers, visiting and calling members who are in the hospital, helping with tournaments and assisting young players. She also served as chairman of new player services at the 2010 Summer North American Bridge Championships.

“I try to do anything that needs to be done at the club,” Theresa said. “And being named the Goodwill Member of the Year is absolutely the best pat on the back I could ever receive in this game. It is a confirmation that the real joy of our game comes not from how many wins or master points one has acquired but rather how many friends that are made and how many lives that are enriched.”