Support BEF and help spend Dr. Dave's money

[dr_dave]

The purpose for this thread is to rally support for the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF). And to help provide encouragement, I am offering to match all AZB contributions over the next week up to a total of $500.

The BEF is a great organization and a good "cause." They provide various programs for juniors in the billiards community. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, and sponsors juniors to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships. The BEF also encourages youth to stay in school and further their education while building and maintaining a lifelong love of billiards through the “Pool In School” program. For more information, visit their website here:

http://www.billiardeducation.org/​

To contribute, go to the BEF website. Under "Donate to Help Kids" on the left side of the screen, enter the amount you want to contribute and click on the "Donate Now" button. If you prefer to not use PayPal, you can send a check or money order directly to the BEF. The address and contact info can be found here.

Again, I will match (up to $500) all donations the BEF receives within the next week (by October 3). Please send me a PM or e-mail when you make a donation so I can track how much I need to contribute.

FYI, the BEF is a non-profit organization and your gift will qualify as a charitable donation, which you can claim on your taxes as a deduction.

Please contribute whatever you can, even if it is only a few bucks.

Thank you for your time and for helping me support the BEF.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Ghosst]

Now I'll have to wait ever-so-patiently for Paypal to collect funds from my bank. However, while we wait, can my tax deduction go to Tom Ross instead of myself? I'd rather he got the money back, and that way I can contribute to two worthy causes. If that's evil, immoral, wrong, and illegal, I'll just have to buy his CDs next. Either way, both causes will get my cash.

 

[Otterman]

Many thanks!

Generous offer, Dr. Dave, and for a VERY worthy cause. The future of American pool lies with these kids. We made our first trip to the Jr. Nat'ls this summer and had a terrific time. Looking forward to 7 more years while our son is eligible! These youngsters need as much support and encouragement as possible. There are very few tournaments for them to compete in unless they enter adult tournaments, many of which are held in venues where minors are not allowed.

Please contribute if you can, whether it be funds, facilitating a place for the kids to play and compete, or maybe mentoring a budding SVB.

I'll PM you on payday, Dr. Dave! Thanks again.

 

[dr_dave]

Now I'll have to wait ever-so-patiently for Paypal to collect funds from my bank. However, while we wait, can my tax deduction go to Tom Ross instead of myself? I'd rather he got the money back, and that way I can contribute to two worthy causes. If that's evil, immoral, wrong, and illegal, I'll just have to buy his CDs next.

The best way to help Tom Ross, and get a good product in return, is to purchase his CD-ROM set of instructional articles.

Either way, both causes will get my cash.

Thank you for supporting both Tom and the BEF. I agree that they are both great causes.

Be sure to PM me your BEF donation amount when you send it so I can match it.

Thanks again,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Generous offer, Dr. Dave, and for a VERY worthy cause. The future of American pool lies with these kids.

Well stated! I agree 100%!

We made our first trip to the Jr. Nat'ls this summer and had a terrific time. Looking forward to 7 more years while our son is eligible! These youngsters need as much support and encouragement as possible. There are very few tournaments for them to compete in unless they enter adult tournaments, many of which are held in venues where minors are not allowed.

I think it is great you are supporting your son and helping to instill a healthy passion for pool. The pool world needs more parents like you.

Please contribute if you can, whether it be funds, facilitating a place for the kids to play and compete, or maybe mentoring a budding SVB.

I hope more people will contribute, even if it is only a few bucks (e.g., the price of a single beer).

I'll PM you on payday, Dr. Dave! Thanks again.

Sounds good.

Thanks and Regards,
Dave

 

[C.Milian]

Why don't you start a fund for getting pool into the Olympics? That will be the best thing for pool. It's admirable that you are doing something for Kids, but I think pool needs more than more people playing.

Jam did research and found out they ruled it a game during a few pre-olympic meetings and case is closed. The process by which they arrived to that conclusion was unfair IMO. Just a thought. Keep up the good work.

 

[dr_dave]

Why don't you start a fund for getting pool into the Olympics?

That's not a bad idea, but I would prefer to put my energies toward helping the BEF at the moment.

It's admirable that you are doing something for Kids, but I think pool needs more than more people playing.

That's not the only reason for helping the BEF; although, I think getting more people to play pool, especially young people, is a great thing for our sport/game.

Regards,
Dave

 

[12squared]

Mr. Dr.,

Very generous offer. I donated earlier in the year but now I'm donating $20 more just because I know how hard it is for you to part with money :rotflmao1: - I want to do my part in helping you do just that. :thumbup:

I love helping Laura Smith and her team at BEF anytime I can, she is one hard working woman. Nice thing you're doing.

I urge all those that would like to see Dr. Dave part w/a little money for a good cause to hurry up and donate to the BEF w/i the week. Let's torture the good Dr. :grin::grin::grin:

Dave

 

[dr_dave]

My. Dr.,

Very generous offer. I donated earlier in the year but now I'm donating $20 more just because I know how hard it is for you to part with money :rotflmao1: - I want to do my part in helping you do just that. :thumbup:

You are right ... I can be a tight wad, but the BEF is an important cause. Thank you for helping. I appreciate the support, even though it takes money out of my pocket. :thumbup:

I love helping Laura Smith and her team at BEF anytime I can, she is one hard working woman. Nice thing you're doing.

Laura and the BEF definitely need and deserve our support.

I urge all those that would like to see Dr. Dave part w/a little money for a good cause to hurry up and donate to the BEF w/i the week. Let's torture the good Dr. :grin::grin::grin:

Thank you for trying to encourage others. I hope it works. Torture away!

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Here's a bump, hoping the nighttime "work-and-make-money-during-the-day" crowd will be more generous than the daytime "I'm-retired-and-broke" crowd.

Please consider donating something, even if it is only a small amount (e.g., a few bucks). Every little bit helps, especially since I will be matching (doubling) your donations.

Thanks again,
Dave

The purpose for this thread is to rally support for the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF). And to help provide encouragement, I am offering to match all AZB contributions over the next week up to a total of $500.

The BEF is a great organization and a good "cause." They provide various programs for juniors in the billiards community. The BEF funds academic scholarships, produces the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, and sponsors juniors to attend the WPA World Junior 9-Ball Championships. The BEF also encourages youth to stay in school and further their education while building and maintaining a lifelong love of billiards through the “Pool In School” program. For more information, visit their website here:

http://www.billiardeducation.org/​

To contribute, go to the BEF website. Under "Donate to Help Kids" on the left side of the screen, enter the amount you want to contribute and click on the "Donate Now" button. If you prefer to not use PayPal, you can send a check or money order directly to the BEF. The address and contact info can be found here.

Again, I will match (up to $500) all donations the BEF receives within the next week (by October 3). Please send me a PM or e-mail when you make a donation so I can track how much I need to contribute.

FYI, the BEF is a non-profit organization and your gift will qualify as a charitable donation, which you can claim on your taxes as a deduction.

Please contribute whatever you can, even if it is only a few bucks.

Thank you for your time and for helping me support the BEF.

Regards,
Dave

 

[12squared]

This is a "Let's Torture Dr. Dave Bump"...and it's for a great cause!

 

[Bob Jewett]

... Jam did research and found out they ruled it a game during a few pre-olympic meetings and case is closed. ...

So far as I know, no such ruling was ever made. Do you have a reference?

Cue sports are in the World Games every four years. They are in the Asian Games. There is an effort to get them into the Panamerican Games. The International Olympic Committee has recognized the World Confederation of Billiard Sports as a world governing body of a sport.

But it is a tough job to get into the Olympic Summer Games. There are lots of other sports that also want to get in.

As for the OP, I'm in for $50. What's the total, Dave?

 

[C.Milian]

So far as I know, no such ruling was ever made. Do you have a reference?

Cue sports are in the World Games every four years. They are in the Asian Games. There is an effort to get them into the Panamerican Games. The International Olympic Committee has recognized the World Confederation of Billiard Sports as a world governing body of a sport.

But it is a tough job to get into the Olympic Summer Games. There are lots of other sports that also want to get in.

As for the OP, I'm in for $50. What's the total, Dave?

Jam should have it. I'm sitting on a new computer so all my history is erased. I recall reading briefly there were multiple meetings and an objection from another sport's president cause on going debate. We almost had it. I was in a daze during that time so I could have read it wrong. Jam should be able to clarify things.

We also came to the conclusion that the organization could do more for getting us there. Maybe it's all up to us. Lots of other sports aren't even close to the numbers we have. We have entire countries wanting in.

 

[JAM]

Jam should have it. I'm sitting on a new computer so all my history is erased. I recall reading briefly there were multiple meetings and an objection from another sport's president cause on going debate. We almost had it. I was in a daze during that time so I could have read it wrong. Jam should be able to clarify things.

We also came to the conclusion that the organization could do more for getting us there. Maybe it's all up to us. Lots of other sports aren't even close to the numbers we have. We have entire countries wanting in.

In the end, C.Milian, it doesn't matter what we, the pool public, think. It's pool politics at its finest is the bottom line, unfortunately.

Whenever this topic comes up, it attracts quite a few of the members of pool's fourth estate. I am appreciative that this forum, despite what some members may think, practices the First Amendment on pool political issues, e.g., freedom of speech.

To stay on topic of this thread, I did sent the BEF 50 bucks a while back. I never heard from them, never received a reply or a thank-you note. I only knew they received it after the check cleared in my bank account.

Working with numerous philanthropic organizations, one of the biggest turnoffs to these folks is lack of communication after they donate funds. The BEF may find it prudent to reply to those who do donate funds, even a paltry 50 bucks, with a thank-you reply. It really does go a long way and may be incentive to those who did donate to do so again in the future.

 

[dr_dave]

I'm in for $50. What's the total, Dave?

Sadly, the submitted total so far is only $70, but there are also a few pending promises.

This is very disappointing that so few pool players are willing to contribute to such a worthy cause.

Thank you for your support. Hopefully, others will follow suit.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

To stay on topic of this thread, I did sent the BEF 50 bucks a while back. I never heard from them, never received a reply or a thank-you note. I only knew they received it after the check cleared in my bank account.

Working with numerous philanthropic organizations, one of the biggest turnoffs to these folks is lack of communication after they donate funds. The BEF may find it prudent to reply to those who do donate funds, even a paltry 50 bucks, with a thank-you reply. It really does go a long way and may be incentive to those who did donate to do so again in the future.

I will be sure to pass your concern on to Laura Smith, the BEF Executive Director.

In the BEF's defense, they are so underfunded and overworked, it is difficult to provide a high level of support and attention to details like this. That's why I'm trying to drum up support.

BTW, if you contribute $50 (or any amount) again, I will match it and send you a heartfelt thank-you reply.

Thank you for supporting the BEF,
Dave

 

[JAM]

I will be sure to pass your concern on to Laura Smith, the BEF Executive Director.

In the BEF's defense, they are so underfunded and overworked, it is difficult to provide a high level of support and attention to details like this. That's why I'm trying to drum up support.

BTW, if you contribute $50 (or any amount) again, I will match it and send you a heartfelt thank-you reply.

Thank you for supporting the BEF,
Dave

I admire your enthusiasm and willingness to help this worthy organization, Dr. Dave. :smile:

I also am impressed that you inserted the hyphen in "thank-you." Are you a member of pool's fourth estate?

The public TV folks are always broadcasting movies on my local channel, trying to garner support for the station. They don't show commercials on this station, but the only way they stay alive is through the donations of the public.

They offer small gifts to those for donations. My favorite movie they show is "Anne of Green Gables." I cry happy tears every single time I watch it, though I'm not sure why. :embarrassed2:

For a small donation, they offer the DVD of the movie, and for larger donations, they offer collectible dolls.

The BEF might be able to do something similar to this, and it actually could bring more funds in.

As one example, a pool clothing company could offer unique and cool BEF T-shirts, only available through BEF. It could have a funny logo or motto on it.

The pool clothing company could get a tax writeoff for donating the T-shirts, which may be attractive to them to offer their product for free to the BEF. Those who donate 50 bucks could receive a BEF T-shirt. For larger donations, the BEF may offer a more expensive pool-related item, donated from one of those industry members of the BCA. Wouldn't that be neat to support pool in this way by the BCA [BILLIARD Congress of America] instead of bowling and darts?

Pool purists are quick on the trigger to blame today's pool tournament soldiers as the reason why pool wanes in popularity in the United States. Some of these pool purists go so far as to label them as lazy bums who don't get off their butt and give back. When pool pros do give back, it seems to go almost unmentioned, as if it's back-page item that gets printed with a size 6 font. Nobody cares; nobody notices.

Well, the door swings both ways. The pool industry members, even the non-profits, may ponder the thought about ways to promote pool. In the end, it's win-win for all of us, whether you're a blue-blooded pool purist, member of the fourth estate, road warrior, retired legend, tournament soldier, amateur player, league shooter, industry member, or a railbird like me who just loves pool. :smiling-heart:

 

[Dave Nelson]

Dear Doctor

I'll kick in $100.00. I'm retired but not quite broke. I don't have a paypal account and don't want one so I'll send a check.

I have a few comments. First, I'm very low on the scale as a player so feel free to ignore me. Your original post mentions 9 ball twice but no other games. I'm a 14.1 player and we have an ongoing 14.1 round robin here at Boomers in Sturtavent, Wi. We have a few 9 ball league players. They are the weakest players in the group. They can't even beat me. I know one young lad who I think has real potential. Unfortunately his teacher is his dad who is a dedicated 9 ball banger. His talent is drying up. I hope they don't read this because they are nice people and I wouldn't want to offend them. Are these kids in the BEF going to get real high level instruction, like from you? Nuff said.

Dave Nelson

 

[dr_dave]

So can I put you down for another $50?

I admire your enthusiasm and willingness to help this worthy organization, Dr. Dave. :smile:

I also am impressed that you inserted the hyphen in "thank-you." Are you a member of pool's fourth estate?

The public TV folks are always broadcasting movies on my local channel, trying to garner support for the station. They don't show commercials on this station, but the only way they stay alive is through the donations of the public.

They offer small gifts to those for donations. My favorite movie they show is "Anne of Green Gables." I cry happy tears every single time I watch it, though I'm not sure why. :embarrassed2:

For a small donation, they offer the DVD of the movie, and for larger donations, they offer collectible dolls.

The BEF might be able to do something similar to this, and it actually could bring more funds in.

As one example, a pool clothing company could offer unique and cool BEF T-shirts, only available through BEF. It could have a funny logo or motto on it.

The pool clothing company could get a tax writeoff for donating the T-shirts, which may be attractive to them to offer their product for free to the BEF. Those who donate 50 bucks could receive a BEF T-shirt. For larger donations, the BEF may offer a more expensive pool-related item, donated from one of those industry members of the BCA. Wouldn't that be neat to support pool in this way by the BCA [BILLIARD Congress of America] instead of bowling and darts?

Pool purists are quick on the trigger to blame today's pool tournament soldiers as the reason why pool wanes in popularity in the United States. Some of these pool purists go so far as to label them as lazy bums who don't get off their butt and give back. When pool pros do give back, it seems to go almost unmentioned, as if it's back-page item that gets printed with a size 6 font. Nobody cares; nobody notices.

Well, the door swings both ways. The pool industry members, even the non-profits, may ponder the thought about ways to promote pool. In the end, it's win-win for all of us, whether you're a blue-blooded pool purist, member of the fourth estate, road warrior, retired legend, tournament soldier, amateur player, league shooter, industry member, or a railbird like me who just loves pool. :smiling-heart:

 

[dr_dave]

Dear Doctor

I'll kick in $100.00. I'm retired but not quite broke. I don't have a paypal account and don't want one so I'll send a check.

Thank you!

I have a few comments. First, I'm very low on the scale as a player so feel free to ignore me. Your original post mentions 9 ball twice but no other games. I'm a 14.1 player and we have an ongoing 14.1 round robin here at Boomers in Sturtavent, Wi. We have a few 9 ball league players. They are the weakest players in the group. They can't even beat me. I know one young lad who I think has real potential. Unfortunately his teacher is his dad who is a dedicated 9 ball banger. His talent is drying up. I hope they don't read this because they are nice people and I wouldn't want to offend them. Are these kids in the BEF going to get real high level instruction, like from you? Nuff said.

I think the BEF focuses on 9-ball because that's what the kids want to play ... they want to be like the pros on TV I guess.

Many of the BEF juniors are great students of the game and seek instruction from books, videos, and qualified/experienced instructors. Some of the BEF "Pool in School" volunteers also provide good instruction and support.

Regards,
Dave