Pool players Joanna and Darin Moggy are hoping to get 40 teams signed up for an upcoming pool tournament at the Moose Lodge this Saturday and Sunday.
The nine-ball tournament is open to Moose and league members with part of the proceeds going to four-month-old Elijah Hennessey and his parents Jessie Hennessey and Tom Wallace to help offset costs for their son’s ongoing treatment at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
Elijah suffers from congenital heart disease and an array of other ailments. A major fundraiser was held in the community on Saturday and although firm figures on how much was raised are not yet available, one organizers estimates it could surpass $15,000.
“I’m hoping to raise a $1,000,” Joanna Moggy said. “People have already been donating even if they don’t play.”
She said she is now publicizing the event and had a poster up at Saturday’s Collins Hall event to “get the word out.” Joanna Moggy said she has also told members of the local Legion pool league to attract more players for this weekend’s tournament.
She said she knows Elijah’s grandparents Darla and Howie Hennessey who are well known volunteers at events in the community. Darla Hennessey is widely recognized as the city’s event coordinator and museum curator. In the coordinator’s capacity, she takes care of organizing city-based events like the annual fishing derby.
Saturday’s event attracted hundreds of people who purchased a wide array of donated goods. There was also a silent and live auction of products donated by local businesses.
“Everybody loves to play pool so what better way to do it then as a fundraiser,” she added.
To register your team for the tournament, contact Joanna Moggy at 705-849-6771.
“We feel it’s our turn to pay it forward to the Hennessey family,” the organizer said in promoting the event.