Just kidding!
Over the weekend, I directed a benefit 8 ball tourney for a good friend of mine, Bill Ryan, who has had a rough go of it lately. Alex Quinones, a good friend of Bill's, came up the idea for the tourney. Word went out around town that we were organizing a tourney to help Bill in his time of need and, boy, did everyone respond. 58 players and most of Bill's friends showed including Raphael who was in town visiting some friends. At the beginning of the festivities, there were probably around 150-200 people in attendance.
The event was held at Jac's Lounge which is owned a great guy and good player, Augie Mungia and his family. Augie is one of those guys that you don't even have to ask when someone needs help, he just says, "Let's do it!" Augie not only hosted the event but added $200 to the tourney in add on money.
A raffle was established to raise funds for the event. Items for the raffle started arriving from all over.
Woody Worthworth of Woodyworth Cues in Tennessee donated a beautiful custom cue. Woody and Bill played on a team together in the early 90's that won the BCA Nationals. Jack Kompan of Mystick Cues donated a combo set of a jump cue and a break cue. Richard Sauer of the Billiard Factory gave 2 cues also. Lisa, Bill's daughter, donated a nice pair of earrings. Pete Mora, the local BCA league operator donated a very nice Vincitore cue case. Ismael Ramirez donated a set of collectible antique pool player cards. The list goes on and on with many people donating money.
I'd really like to thank Alex Quinones, Augie and family, Jimmy Martinez, Pauline and Robert Plata and everyone else who worked so hard to make this event the success that it was!
Oh, about the picture. Raphael got trapped by these two ladies but from the look on his face, I don't think he minded too much! LOL
This game brings us together and in the end, we really are a community of friends!
Stones
