On November 9th City Officials, OUSD Athletic Directors, Family, Friends, and members of the community gathered for the unveiling and presentation of the Bob Hobbs Trophy Case commissioned by the Community Foundation of Orange in partnership with the City of Orange. Bob Hobbs was the best ever all-around athlete of his time earning 14 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He captained his football and basketball teams and was elected Class President as a freshman and junior. He served in the US Navy with distinction in World War II and advocated endlessly for the youth of Orange County. Bob Hobbs died in Orange at age 38 of cancer.

The unveiling of the Trophy Case honors his achievements and through acknowledgements and scholarships recognizes athletes who display exemplary sportsmanship, athleticism, leadership and service. The Bob Hobbs award is presented annually and each recipient shares the reverence of his memory and is displayed at the Grijalva Park Sport Center, forever sealed in the history of the great City of Orange.
“I am a new-comer to the City of Orange having lived here for 26 years,” states Mayor Carolyn Cavecchi. “In most cities that would be considered a long time, but not in Orange. The roots here are deep and the first thing I remember is how much a part of the fabric of Orange the Hobbs family has been and continues to be. Today is just another representation of the history of this great family and the impact they have made on the lives of those within our community,” said Mayor Cavecchi.

Mayor Pro Tem Tita Smith spoke of the memories her father had as best friends of Bob Hobbs sharing his first encounter of this fourth grade student who was considered the “big man on campus” only to find them both embarrassed by a lovely young girl pushing them both into a puddle of mud. Sharing the embarrassment of the moment, they were fast friends for life. “To this day there are still times that I look twice when I hear the voice of Roger as it is exactly that of his father, Bob Hobbs,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tita Smith. With this Roger was moved to tears and the emotions of both happiness and sadness were carried through to his speech of appreciation for his family, the city and the Community Foundation of Orange for this dedication to his father.

Through the care and development of programs that meet a wide range of community needs, support families, build community, and promote healthy lifestyles for children, the Community Foundation of Orange is dedicated to improving Greater Orange. Community Foundation of Orange is an independent non-profit organization leading a passionate, unified effort to preserve and enhance our sense of community through financial and community partnerships.