Rebecca Galvan is shown shooting a little pool at Rack Daddy's in Harlingen, where her and husband Richard plan to host a BCA 8-Ball tournament to benefit cancer reseaerch. The event is scheduled Oct. 7-9. (Courtesy photo)
By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
South Padre Parade
paradeeditor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Sinking the 8-ball can win a game of pool, and now it can also help benefit cancer research.
Richard and Rebecca Galvan of San Benito are organizing a BCA 8-Ball Championship tournament, to be held Oct. 7-9, at Rack Daddy’s in Harlingen, located on 1802 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.
The Galvans are holding the event in conjunction with Rack Daddy’s, which according to Manager Jennifer Lyzak is providing the facility free of charge for the event.
For Lyzak, the significance of the event hits home.
“I had a family member die of cancer,” Lyzak said. “So I personally think it’s very important, just finding a cure for all the different types of cancers is extremely important.”
Richard Galvan feels the same way. His wife Anita Mari Galvan died of cancer at the age of 38 in 1995, widowing Richard and leaving behind their son and daughter, who were 11 and 9 years old at the time.
Rebecca Galvan, Richard’s wife, is a cancer survivor and has been in remission from thyroid cancer for some time now.
“I just want the awareness,” Richard said when asked how much money he hopes to raise at the tournament. “I don’t want to put a pencil to it, but if through awareness I can get 15 bone marrow donors to register, I’d be happy.”
If he were to put a pencil to it, though, and considering a $25 entry fee for the players, a heavily-participated tournament could equal a significant monetary contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the charity in which the Galvans will donate the proceeds of the event.
Those who participate will also have a shot at bragging rights, not to mention a first place trophy and $300; second wins $200, third scores $100, fourth and fifth take $50.
A BCA official will also be on-hand to act as the ref. On Friday, Oct. 7, the first of the three-day tourney, a lotto will be held at 5 p.m. in which a number representing each participant will be selected – this to bracket the competitors.
“We’re getting a lot of good responses, and we’ll have drawings and have fun, too,” Richard said.
For more information on the event, call the Galvans at (956) 490-6251.
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