When Stephanie Johnson heard fellow APA member James Owens was the victim of a house fire her immediate reaction was, “What can I do to help?”  Her second thought was, “Organize a charity pool tournament.”  And that’s exactly what she did.

“Me being one person can’t do much,” Johnson remembers thinking, “but if we brought the entire League together, we could.”  So she spoke to the owner of Scottie’s Last Chance Saloon in Punta Gorda, Fla., and got permission to hold the benefit tournament for the Owens Family at his location.

The charity event took place on Dec. 10 and featured 20 individuals competing in a double elimination 8-Ball Singles tournament.  Shawn Collie won the tournament, with Albert Baker finishing 2^nd.  Both members donated their winnings back for the family.  The event also featured a barbecue and raffles, including a cue donated by Charlotte County APA League Operator Vito Faieta.  At the end of the day $377 was presented to James and his family.

“It was so good to see so many people come together at this time of year to help one family,” Johnson remarked.

For more information on Charlotte County APA visit charlottecounty.apaleagues.com.

Nature Coast APA member Lori Hartt knows firsthand what the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation means to someone with the disease—her granddaughter, Lexi, has it.  Every May Lori puts a team of walkers together for the Great Strides Charity Walk in Tampa.  For the past two years, Nature Coast APA League Operators Doug and Denise Hurst have helped raise money for “Team Lexi”, by hosting a charity event. 

This year’s event featured a double elimination 8-Ball tournament, Speed Shot competition, Beat the League Operator challenge matches and multiple raffles.  The event took place May 29 at BB Magee’s In Hudson, Fla., and raised $430 for the team. 

Prizes were donated by Nature Coast APA members and included gift cards from Capone’s, Publix, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s & Chili’s, allowing all money collected to go directly to the charity. 

For more information on Florida’s Nature Coast APA visit naturecoast.apaleagues.com; and for more information on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its Great Strides Charity Walk visit cff.org.