The Children's Benevolent League was established in 1936 to advocate for children with developmental disabilities. The establishment of the League evolved into the Washington Association for Retarded Children by 1950, which later became known as The ARC of Washington. In 1958 the Tacoma Washington Chapter of the Washington Association for Retarded Children sponsored what was known as "The Game of the Year." This was a rival basketball game between Lakeland Village (Medical Lake, WA) and Rainier School (Buckley, WA), which were both schools for children with developmental disabilities. This was to be an annual game that included a program with a band concert, master of ceremonies and a variety program that included students from both schools. The "Game of the Year" was a fun and exciting fund raising event for the WARC.
The Tacoma Chapter of the Washington Association for Retarded Children is the original parent organization in the State of Washington. It supported the children at the state residence schools. It was instrumental in organizing public sponsored day schools and launched the first parents' education clinic in the State.
From the description of Tacoma Chapter's records for the "Game of the Year", 1958. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 317893328
