Mike Massey to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association

COVINGTON, KY, Sept. 20, 2004 --- Mike Massey, world-renowned trick shot artist and 9-ball champion, can regularly be seen wowing audiences in movies and o­n ESPN.  But this October 30 at 6 p.m., Massey will take his show to Covington’s popular nightspot, Jillian’s, to shoot for a great cause, the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

For a mere $20 entrance fee, pocket billiard fans can watch Massey in action, enter to win a variety of prizes, sing karaoke, and enjoy free appetizers.  Twenty lucky event-goers will also have the opportunity to shoot against Massey at the event. 

The grand prize for the evening is an Olhausen pool table donated by Olhausen and Billiards Direct, Cincinnati, OH.

Proceeds from the event will support the MDA, a voluntary health organization that provides wheelchairs, leg braces, communication devices, support groups and clinics for the many Americans suffering from any of 43 muscle wasting diseases.  Across America, children suffering from neuromuscular diseases, Jerry’s Kids, attend MDA summer camps funded entirely by the organization.

“Last year, I had a close family member diagnosed with a muscular dystrophy disease,” Denise Brann, benefit coordinator, said.  “It is solely because of the research and dedication of the Muscular Dystrophy Association that my relative has a chance of being cured.  I cannot express enough gratitude to the MDA for all they have done for my family.  It is my hope that the money we raise will assist in finding the cure for my relative as well as so many others with neuromuscular diseases.”

Mike Massey further explains his reason for donating his time to the event, “God has been very good to me. We are supposed to glorify God, and when we use our gifts to help others, that's what we are doing.” 

Mike Massey began his billiard career at age 13 and since then has won professional tournaments in 9-ball, 8-ball, straight pool, and o­ne-pocket.  He has served as the World Artistic Pool Champion and ESPN’s Trick Shot Magic Champion.  A pool instructor, he has taught and played with celebrities like Johnny Cash, Billy Bob Thornton, and Sugar Ray Leonard.  He has also made appearances o­n the big screen and regularly competes in competitions televised o­n ESPN.

For more information about the event, contact Denise Brann at (859) 750-5104.  For more information about the MDA, see www.mdausa.org or contact the local office at (513) 231-2222.

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