Starship Billiards in Decatur, Ill., played host to the Inaugural Cues for Kids Pool Tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois. During the tournament on Oct. 29, $999 was raised for the organization.
The goal of the event was to not only raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, but to have fun in the process. The tournament used a format called Hurricane 8-Ball, which is a faster paced version of 8-Ball, perfect for a fun tournament atmosphere.
League Operator Kim Jones said, “It was a small event for the first year, but I’m happy with the results.”
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters visit bbbs.org and for more information on Central Illinois APA visit illinoisapa.com.
When a fire destroyed the home and belongings of APA member Rick Berg, his Central Illinois APA family sprang into action, helping anyway they could. Taking up a collection for clothes and toys to help replace the tangible items Rick, his wife Susan, and their 18-month-old son Caleb desperately needed was step one. Organizing a benefit to raise money for the Berg Family was step two.
The benefit was held Nov. 6 at Rendezvous Bar & Grill in Decatur, Ill., and featured a pool tournament, auction, raffles, DJ and an all-you-can-eat buffet. During the event, $5,950 was raised, as well as numerous toys and articles of clothing.
Thirty-one players participated in the pool tournament, with Phil Crandall taking 1st Place. Kevin Newsham finished 2nd, while Carol Gifford finished 3rd.
For more information about the Central Illinois APA please visit illinoisapa.com.
Central Illinois APA announced a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois. The fundraiser, called “Cues for Kids”, will run the entire 2010-2011 League year. Donations can be made through weekly team envelopes, or via collection jugs that will be set up at all Central Illinois APA events. Central Illinois APA will match all contributions up to $1,000.
The program is expected to become an annual event. The “Cues for Kids” event officially kicked off at the April 2010 spring awards presentation.
For more information about “Cues for Kids” visit illinoisapa.com; for additional information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois please visit bbbscil.org.
When longtime APA member and Host Location owner Bill “Teddy Bear” Wetherell passed away last September, Central Illinois League Operator Kim Jones knew she was going to keep his memory alive somehow. On Jan. 30 she fulfilled that mission by holding a 3-on-3 charity tournament in Wetherell’s honor. The tournament raised money for the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur, Ill., a charity that Wetherell personally contributed to each Christmas.
“Bill was a generous man, and we wanted to continue his contributions through an APA event,” Jones said. “He loved the APA, playing in the League since 1989, so a pool tournament benefitting an organization that he cared about was a logical choice.”
The Teddy Bear Tournament, held at Rendezvous Bar & Grill in Decatur, Ill., raised $2,400 for the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur. The double elimination 3-on-3 tournament included 32 teams. The team consisting of Chris Akers, Blake Rauch and Coty Pinnell won 1st Place. Carol Gifford, Rob Thompson and Dave Miller finished as Runners-Up. Third place went to Todd Tibbs, Tiffany Blastenbrei and Ricky George. Ken Koshinski, Jim Irwin and Chris Sullivan finished in 4th Place.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club please visit bgca.org; for additional information about the Central Illinois APA visit illinoisapa.com.
