Most people support a specific charity because of a personal connection—and Midwest Illinois APA League Operators Bruce and Dana Patton certainly fall into that category.  For the past three years, the Patton’s have conducted a Scotch Doubles Tournament to benefit the ALS Association.  The tournament is held in memory of long time APA member Bob Hinkle, Jr., who passed away in fall 2007—less than a year after being diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The tournament took place on Dec. 19 at Baxter’s in Fairview Heights, Ill.  The modified single elimination tournament boasted 22 teams. The father and son team of Marty and Martin Kaczmarowski took first place.

The event also featured an exhibition by world famous trick shot artist, Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, who stuck around after his show to run a lag competition.  Dr. Cue and his wife then graciously matched the amount collected from the lag competition!  Ethan Adams took first place in the lag competition, while Mark Montgomery finished second.

The benefit raised $1,452 for the ALS Association, which was donated to the St. Louis Regional Chapter.

Please visit alsa.org for more information about the ALS Association; for additional information about the Midwest Illinois APA go to midwestil.apaleagues.com.

December is the season for giving and members of the Bakersfield APA did just that on Dec. 12! They donated over 100 toys to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and over 500 cans of food to the Community Action Partnership of Kern County.  Naturally, they had fun playing pool in the process.  2009 marked the fourth year that League Operator Michelle Henry ran a tournament benefiting Toys for Tots and a local food bank—it’s always a huge success!

Henry credits the format for much of the success.  “This is a doubles tournament incorporating our junior program.  Teams must consist of one adult (18 or over) and one child (17 and under).   The format is modified single elimination, which guarantees each team the chance to play at least twice, plus local companies donate items to give out to the players who participate.  This year we had 24 teams competing,” Henry said.

One new, unwrapped toy with a $10 minimum value and one can of food is the entry fee for the tournament.  The tournament was held at the Corner Pocket in Bakersfield, Calif.

For more information about the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation please visit toysfortots.org, and for more about the Community Action Partnership of Kern County visit capk.org/.

For more information about the Bakersfield APA visit bakersfield.apaleagues.com.

Shoreline Billiards in Mountain View, Calif., kicked off the 2009 holiday season in style on Dec. 5, by hosting the 1^st Annual South Bay APA Holiday Party.  The bash wasn’t just a celebration; it also raised money for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the Second Harvest Food Bank. 

League Operator Doug Coleman organized two Scotch Doubles tournaments—one with a maximum skill level of 8, the other with a maximum skill level of 13—allowing members of all playing abilities to compete.  The tournaments used a round robin format, with the winner of each group advancing to a single elimination bracket.  The skill level 8 Tier had 16 teams competing, with Jason Alvarado and Mary Nguyen taking 1^st Place.  Errol Modine and Amy Williams won the skill level 13 Tier, which had 28 teams battling for top honors. 

Members who weren’t able to compete in one of the tournaments could contribute to the cause in other ways.  “We also ran silent auctions on various pool memorabilia and gift certificates to local restaurants,” Coleman said.  “Along with the silent auctions we ran a game of craps pool.  Players would roll dice to determine where balls would be placed on the table and then they’d have to run out to earn points.  The number of balls the player had to run was dependent upon their skill level, so the lower skill level players only had to make two or three balls.” 

$1,700 was raised for the two charities. Coleman believes this year’s South Bay APA Holiday Party will be even more successful. 

For more information about the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation please visit toysfortots.org, and for more about the Second Harvest Food Bank visit shfb.org.   

For more information about the South Bay APA go to southbayapa.com.

Rack Daddy’s in Dallas, Texas was the place to be on Oct. 27! Plano Collin County APA held its 2^nd Annual tournament to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  The event, which wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness Month, drew more than 50 people.  While a large majority participated in the double elimination 8-Ball tournament, many showed up with a donation to receive a coveted pink rubber ducky.  Everyone who participated in the tournament or made a donation received an APA pink ribbon patch.  League Operator Sam Holliday also collected donations by playing challenge matches—giving participants a chance to win an “I Beat the LO” patch while contributing to a worthy cause.  Several skill level 7 members also donated their time, playing challenge matches against individuals shooting for an “I Beat a SL7” patch.  By the time the final ball dropped, $880 had been collected for the charity!

For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure please visit komen.org, and for more on the Plano Collin County APA go to 8onthebreak.com.