2005 CHALLENGE THE STARS

Benefit Puts Pros Face-to-Face with Fans

The Billiard Congress of America [BCA] will o­nce again host the Billiard Education Foundation [BEF] "Challenge the Stars" benefit event during the 2005 BCA Open 9-Ball Championships scheduled in Las Vegas, NV, o­n May 15-21. The special challenge fundraiser will take place o­n Tuesday, May 17, at the Riviera Hotel & Casino's Grande Ballroom, beginning with registration at 6:00 p.m. and play at 8:00 p.m.

With 128 of the world's top pros o­n hand, thousands of enthusiastic players and fans will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite billiard stars. Last year, several hundred face-offs were scheduled, with key high-stakes challenges focusing o­n Jeanette Lee and Allison Fisher.

"The support of the pros has been exceptional," said BEF Executive Director Stephen Ducoff. "Their dedication to this sport is phenomenal and they truly enjoy interacting with the fans to make the event a success."

This entertaining fundraiser brought in over $17,000 last year, with all proceeds benefiting BEF Junior Billiard programs. It was the first time that the benefit had been held in conjunction with the 9-ball event, and the results set a high standard for the 2005 Challenge.

Available in three options, players can select the $10 BCA Challenge (BEF picks the pro for o­ne game of 9-ball), the $40 Pro Challenge (one game of 9-ball with o­ne of three top choices, based o­n availability) or the $100 Ultimate Challenge (three games of 9-ball with o­ne of three top choices). At each level, challengers will receive a certificate and souvenir photo taken with their pro opponent.

Funds are also raised through a silent auction of items from corporate and individual sponsors like CueStix International, Hawley's Billiard Stores, Ewa Laurence, Jeanette Lee, Mike Massey, New Billiard Games, Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. and Willard's Cue Products. Event sponsors include Hawley's Billiard Stores, New Billiard Games, Olhausen Billiard Mfg., Inc. and PoolDawg.