[Jerry Forsyth]

Please take a moment to read the news article on the front page of AZB concerning the new Pro Player Travel Fund created by AZB. This fund will help send our best players overseas to show their stuff on the international stage. AZBilliards believes that in these tough economic times it is a must that those of us who love the game think creatively and devise means to promote pool in every way that we can.

This is only the beginning of the work that AZBilliards will be doing in the coming months to promote the professional game and, through that, the popularity of the game itself. Stay tuned, we will have more coming your way in the months to come.

[hangemhigh]

I think this is a great gesture.

[Snookerd]

wow... I am interested in seeing how this pans out... great idea

[Sweet Marissa]

Awesome! I can't wait to see how this goes!

[jimmy-leggs]

Hey great idea,kudo's to Azbilliards and Jerry.I hope it works.

[stikapos]

I have no problem contributing to such a fund, but I'm not a communist either! What would we be getting back for our money ??? On line lessons ?? Private get togethers at certain tourneys ? Glow in the dark rings ? Okay, just kidding about the rings....

tim

[Jerry Forsyth]

As stated in the article, we are currently seeking benefits for those who donate. It is hoped that some pros will step up and offer lessons or just the opportunity to shoot a few racks with them, or whatever comes to their minds.

AZB is also busily kicking around some ideas for individuals who help. We have not finalized anything yet, but the idea of regional AZB get-togethers where the sponsors are featured and feted is one idea.

Got ideas? Post them or send em to me at jerry@azbilliards.com.

[stikapos]

Jerry,
private meet and greets at US tourneys I'm sure would be appreciated. I wouldn't kill any of them to stop what they are doing for an hour or so and have a beer or soda with AZ sponsors. Of course, I'm speaking of the non-business entities, like most of us folk that post here. If we got to VF or Derby or US Open or something...even regional events, a few minutes to say hello and whatever would certainly be appreciated.

tim

[TXsouthpaw]

great idea. Im in

[Eric.]

HAte to say it, Jerry, but that sounds like a dysfunctional business model.

I dunno if this is supposed to be an on going entity or a one shot deal. Without going into it (I don't really feel like it), one of the biggest issues is how to replenish the fund. Donations only go so far whne there is very little benefit for those that are asked to donate. As far as corporate sponsorship goes, I can guarantee you it is all about some kind of ROI, whether perceived or real.


Eric >hopes I'm wrong

[SJDinPHX]

Jerry,

I think this is an excellent concept to help support pool in our country. It is obvious that most of our top player's cannot afford international travel to world wide events, due to very nominal cash, up for grabs, here in the USA, and also the ever escalating costs involved.
That being said, I would hope that "meet and greet" sessions would be made mandatory for any player accepting a helping hand from their supporters. It is a requirement written into the contract of most other other high profile sports celebrities.
Also, if you are going to have declining scales, as to player rankings, and how much they are entitled too in the way of assistance, would it not make sense that the top player's who cash often, should contribute more of their prize money back into the fund. Those are just a few of my thoughts. I have more.....!

Dick

[Jim Kuykendall]

Originally Posted by Jerry Forsyth

Please take a moment to read the news article on the front page of AZB concerning the new Pro Player Travel Fund created by AZB. This fund will help send our best players overseas to show their stuff on the international stage. AZBilliards believes that in these tough economic times it is a must that those of us who love the game think creatively and devise means to promote pool in every way that we can.

This is only the beginning of the work that AZBilliards will be doing in the coming months to promote the professional game and, through that, the popularity of the game itself. Stay tuned, we will have more coming your way in the months to come.

I think if individuals or a group wants to sponsor a player and have an arrangement agreed to by both parties, that's great. Isn't this like pool welfare? Where does it stop? Think about it, a top player not being able to come up with $2,500 to compete in a tournament. I would rather see more high payout tournaments in the U.S. Pool is an individual sport like tennis or golf. When a player wins, they usually don't even mention their country. I would be willing to go in with others to put a player in a tournament who I thought had a chance with an agreement as to how the money would be split up.

[JimS]

I would be a willing contributor asking for no favors in return.

[BigDogatLarge]

I would like to be one of the ones that co-ordinate the things involved to make this happen. I have many ideas and would like it, if you could call me or PM me to further this endeavor.

Thanks,

Dwight
850-510-3103

[Shawn Putnam]

Originally Posted by Jerry Forsyth

As stated in the article, we are currently seeking benefits for those who donate. It is hoped that some pros will step up and offer lessons or just the opportunity to shoot a few racks with them, or whatever comes to their minds.

AZB is also busily kicking around some ideas for individuals who help. We have not finalized anything yet, but the idea of regional AZB get-togethers where the sponsors are featured and feted is one idea.

Got ideas? Post them or send em to me at jerry@azbilliards.com.

You can count on me to donate my time in anyway possible to this cause ! ( Schedule permitting )
And I don't even exept the invitations to go overseas when I get them !
I hate being on a plane for more than 4 hours at a time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!