The Billiard Education Foundation's (BEF's) annual fundraiser, Challenge the Stars was held on May 15th , 2007 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas following the BCA Hall of Fame Banquet. An overwhelming special appearance of over 50 pros and BCA Hall of Fame members attended to support the BEF by accepting challenges from highly skilled amateurs and admiring fans. Over $3500 was raised from the challenge matches alone, where almost 200 games were played in the fun filled 2.5 hour event. Spectators also participated in the silent auction and extensive raffle made possible by the generous donations from over 40 billiard industry supporters, contributing to the $14,000 raised during the course of the week.
Among the participating pros were EnjoyPool.com champions Karen Corr, Allison Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, Thorsten Hohmann, Ralf Souquet, Tony Robles, as well as Jeanette Lee, Johnny Archer, Santos Sambajon, Mika Immonen, Charlie Williams, Monica Webb, Kim Davenport, Helena Thornfeldt, and Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman. Also present were BCA Hall of Fame members Ewa Laurance, Loree Jon Jones, Nick Varner, Robert Byrne, Lou Butera and Ed Kelly. The pros donated their time while in town for the BCA hosted Enjoy Pool.com 9-Ball Championships. The spectators and challengers were drawn from among the 7,000 amateur players competing in the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships.
Funds were raised by the donations and efforts from corporate and individual contributors. Included in the extensive list is the BCA Pool League, Diamond Billiard Products, Billiard Congress of America, PL Promotions, Olhausen Billiard Mfg, Imperial/JS Sales, RT9 Designs, Viking Cue Mfg, Cuestix Int'l, PoolDawg.com, Dayton Cues, Frank's Center , Ozone Billiards, Omega Billiards, Competition Sports, Dawn and Allen Hopkins , Robin's Pro Shop and OB Cues to name a few.
The charity fundraiser was also made possible through a long list of committed volunteers, including BEF President Tom Riccobene, Randy Goettlicher, Claude Gragg, Florida's John and Shanna Lewis , and over two dozen BCA Pool League referees and dedicated volunteers.
To everyone who made this a successful event, thank you. Your time, commitment and contributions are very much appreciated. A comprehensive list of those who helped make this event possible is available on the BEF website at www.BilliardEducation.org
All proceeds benefit the BEF scholarship fund and junior programs throughout the year.
The Billiard Education Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization committed to furthering the standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the education and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders.
For more information about the BEF, please visit www.BilliardEducation.org or contact Laura Smith at 303.926.1039 or e-mail LauraSmith@BilliardEducation.org
