As white light illuminated The Corner Pocket, a dimly lit pool hall in the HUB-Robeson Center, 13 students competed in an event that raised $130 for the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
The Penn State Billiards Club held its first Charity 8-Ball Tournament, which benefited Thon, Saturday afternoon. Players paid $10 to enter.
Mike Petrasek, Thon overall public relations chairman, said he sees Thon fundraising as a "grassroots campaign, where a lot of groups aren't necessarily making thousands of dollars, but they're still helping."
The event was the club's first foray into raising money for Thon. Club Vice President Dallas Kerr (sophomore-chemistry) said the club is "really starting to get off the ground," and added that club members hope to sponsor more charitable events in the future.
Petrasek, who did not attend the competition, said he is glad for the help from clubs, including the Billiards Club.
"We're happy to have help from any club that wants to give it," he said.
Kerr said the group plans to make the 8-Ball Tournament an annual event. The club is also planning a date auction sometime after spring break, which may benefit a charity.
"We're happy to help Penn State," Kerr said.
The Billiards Club just started up again last spring after being inactive for five years.
To publicize the tournament, the club placed fliers in The Corner Pocket, as well as in the Forum building.
The weather may have played a role in the level of participation in the tournament, Club President Ashley Rude (junior-crime, law and justice) said.
"I think the snow is keeping people away," she said, though another club member shouted in retort, "I think sleeping is keeping people away."
Club Treasurer Peter Malcak (senior-information sciences and technology) won the tournament, and Kerr took home the second-place trophy.
