Rafael Martinez. . .

by jeff jimenez

Hello Steve and Carissa,
I just read your article about Rafael. Like you, I also had a special friendship with Rafael. When we first met, he immediately took a liking to me, perhaps it was because I was half Mexican, or maybe because of some other reason. We became friends and exchanged phone numbers so as to keep in touch with each other in the pool world. Many times, he would call me and see how I was doing and how I had been. I would call him as well. Many times, he would take me to the table and show me many things to work on and also new things that I should be aware of. He would let me play with his stick and practice with it several times at many locations.

I know he also had a friend in Salem by the name of Max. Max is also Mexican in culture and a very nice guy. I am sure you know of him. Maybe he can help with the whereabouts of Rafael??? Back to Rafael.

I remember him telling me of how he was now taking care of himself. How he was “rebuilding the engine” in himself for his future. He spoke to me of all 40 shots of tequila that he once drank in his past and how his body was in need of repair. He was very secretive with all others and quiet in every way with everyone except me, when in my area or whenever we were around each other. He spoke of wanting a place in the mountains where he could live and have peace and quiet and harmony with life and nature. He loved to listen to his mexican music in his car as he traveled on the road many miles to all the tournaments on the West Coast. I will never forget just having meals with him and talking about life and spiritual things too. When I took him to my home and we played on my table, he showed me things that I was totally in disbelief that I had just witnessed with my own eyes. It was just the two of us there and I was wishing so much that the whole world could have just seen the shot that he just executed!! What a treat to say the least... He is my friend...
Jeff

Knockers benefit
raised $13,000!

by stephanie karpins

Cave Junction, OR – on April 1-3, a fundraiser event took place at the Junction Inn to help raise funds for Holly Shinerock, a local resident of Cave Junction, who developed breast cancer and didn’t have health insurance.

The community got together to help Holly and put on a very successful event by providing bake sales, selling raffle tickets, having a silent auction, bringing in musicians for a concert, and hosting a pool tournament, with all the proceeds going to Holly’s medical bills. The overall amount raised was $13,000!

The big draw for this event was the band, “The Toyes,” who donated their time for this event. The band leader of “Toyes,” Mawg, brought along John Trejillo of the band “Shadowz,” guitarist Bob Luna of “Southern Oregon Blues Band” and of course the regulars of the “The Toyes.” Brian Rogers, drummer, from Sacramento did a solo drum set and singer, B Wishes, also did a solo. The concert drew in a big crowd, $2900 in raffle tickets were sold, $2000 was generated by the door, and the food sales also made a big impact.

Over 100 awesome raffle prizes included “Getaways for Two” at such places like, Whispering Springs B&B, Oregon Caves Chateau, and Hellgate excursions, and the “Meals for Two” at over 50 different great restaurants in the valley. Individual raffle prizes such as the "Kauffman Wood Log Furniture – Log Lawn Swing valued to be worth $700, a $150 biker jacket from Bounty Hunter Ranch Trading Post, $100 of Chevron Gas, and Out-N-About Trail Riding for 4, there is no wonder why they sold so many raffle tickets.

The Silent Auction generated $1000 with items from local artists such as the $2000 unique custom burl wood chair/stool from “It’s A Burl” in Kerby, as well as artwork from other locals such as Karen Stiles, Trish Kenney, Pearlene Gavlik, Dave Kendall, Jim Nordal, Cone Ten Pottery.

The pool tournament generated interest with its $100 entry fee, 50/50 payback, $$$ being paid out to 25% of the field and prizes going to all who participated. The tournament paid out to 3 spots, with $300-1st, $200-2nd, and $100-3rd. The 1st place winner donated back his winnings, bringing the total generated to $900.

A lot of people need to be thanked: Molly (no last name) and Judy Williams, who coordinated the whole event; manager of the Junction Inn, Matt, caterer, Kate Dywer; the musicians mentioned above; all the local businesses who donated the wonderful items won in the raffle and silent auction; the pool tournament players; and of course, to all the people who took part by attending this event and donating their money to help support a great cause. A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO ALL!!!

Mike Massey visits Portland
Annual El Gaucho Benefit

Portland, OR – El Gaucho restaurant in Portland, OR hosted its 4th annual children’s charity event April 10th. The recurring event has maintained a billiard theme with a pool tournament and a trick shot exhibition performed by Hall of Famer Mike Massey. Sponsored in part by local area billiard businesses On The Wire Billiard Headquarters and Apollo Pools, the festivities run smooth and the local bigwigs take their shot at the coveted El Gaucho Cup, which happened to come with a year’s lease on a brand new Cadillac!

The evening started with an incredible buffet that offered everything from corn dogs to ostrich and was followed up by a dessert bar of fresh fruit and pastries accompanied by cascading chocolate fondue! Shortly thereafter, the pool tournament and casino games began! Mike Massey was on-hand throughout the pool tournament to take shots for pressure-stricken competitors! For a small fee, tournament entrants were able to purchase Mike Massey for a brief few moments to take their shot for them! In the middle of it all, the weary competitors took a break so that Mike Massey could show everyone the latest and greatest trick shots!

All in all, the event has grown into one of the year’s most solid fundraisers generating thousands of dollars for various children’s charities. On The Wire is proud to be involved with such an important cause and we thank El Gaucho for calling on us! Apollo Pools has generously donated tables, with a full set up and tear down each year.

And Mike Massey has volunteered his time for free every year to support this important cause.