Challenge the Stars Raises Record Amount for Junior Billiards 

Colorado Springs, CO - When more than 26 of the world's top billiard professionals get together with several thousand enthusiastic players and fans, you have a recipe for a successful (and very fun) fundraiser. The 2004 Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) Challenge the Stars, held May 18, 2004 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, raised over $17,000, with all proceeds benefiting various BEF Junior Billiard programs.

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

For the first time, the BEF held Challenge the Stars during the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) National 8-Ball Championships and the BCA Open 9-Ball Championships. "With over 9,000 amateurs and 128 pro players together at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, it just made sense to move the Challenge to this venue," said BEF President Tom Riccobene. "With the support of the BCA staff, BCA referees and BEF trustees, this year's event exceeded all of our expectations."

Challengers had their choice of the $10 BCA Challenge, the $40 Pro Challenge and the $100 Ultimate Challenge.  Several hundred challenges took place over three hours, with key $100 challenges focusing o­n Jeanette Lee and Allison Fisher (see below for a complete list of participating pros).

Funds were also raised through sponsorships and a silent auction that featured autographed products from sponsors and professionals. Silent auction sponsors included Brunswick Billiards, Cue Corner, Dr. Cue Promotions, CueStix International, Jeanette Lee, McDermott Cue, Pool & Billiard Magazine, poolpaintings.com and Sigel Cues.

Artist Arthur Robins from poolpaintings.com created a commemorative limited-edition print titled "The Last Shot". Prints may be purchased through the BCA shopping cart ( www.bca-pool.com - then click o­n Products).

The 2005 event is slated to take place at the next BCA National 8-Ball Championships, held at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV (May 13-21, 2005). Date and times have not been finalized, but more information will be posted as it becomes available o­n the BCA website (www.bca-pool.com).

For complete details o­n the BEF Challenge the Stars or the BEF educational programs, please visit www.bca-pool.com.

Participating Professionals

Frank Alvarez

Lou Butera

Denny Coulter

Romana Dokovic

Max Eberle

Allison Fisher

Thorsten Hohmann

Mika Immonen

Loree Jon Jones

Julie Kelly

Ewa Laurance

Jeanette Lee

Steve Lillis

Mike Massey

Megan Minerich

Paul Potier

Tony Robles

Leslie Anne Rogers

Tom Rossman

Sarah Rousey

Mike Sigel

Laura Smith

Maureen Soto

Ralf Souquet

Erik Weiselius

Charlie Williams

Challenge the Stars Committee
Tom Riccobene (Chair), Carrie Benson, Marcie Davis, Randy Goettlicher, Bob Kline, Peg Ledman, Amy Long, Bart Mahoney, Linda Picarillo, Laura Smith and Jack Voorhees.

The purpose of the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) is to further a standard of excellence and leadership within the billiard community by engaging in activities related to the educational and cultural advancement of tomorrow's leaders. The BEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization administered by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA). The BEF raises money through various fundraisers such as the BEF Challenge the Stars, and from corporate and private donations.

The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade organization, dedicated to providing its members with exceptional value by promoting and growing cue sports worldwide. The BCA supports its membership with educational programs, the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo, tournaments and other programs designed to make pool everybody's game.  For more information, please visit www.bca-pool.com. 

BEF Contact:

Carrie Benson

719.264.8300 x104        

carrie@bca-pool.com

Media Contact:

Amy Long

719.264.8300 x104        

marketing@bca-pool.com

Amy Long
Director of Marketing & Business Development

2005 International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo
April 7-9, 2005
Las Vegas Convention Center

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