Greater Washington DC APA League Operators Lee and Jane Tiani decided it was time to step in and help when their member, Bobby Prince, Jr., passed away in March 2013. Bobby was qualified for the 2013 Wheelchair Challenge held during the National Singles Championships in Las Vegas in April. He previously won the event in 2011, along with the Wheelchair Challenge Sportsmanship Award.
Since his family didnt have insurance and because we all cared so much for Bobby, we felt we needed to get involved and help his wife, Leslie, with the funeral expenses, Lee said.
In early April, the Tianis held several 50/50 raffles in Bobbys memory. In addition, they raffled off a cue and case. In all three 50/50 drawings held, each winner donated their entire winnings back to Leslie. After the drawings, donations from Greater Washington DC APA staff, from the heart donations and the $1,000 Las Vegas trip Bobby had earned, Leslie was presented with $3,544.
In addition, we presented a memorial plaque to Bank Shot Bar & Grill to be permanently displayed, renaming Division 068 the Bobby Prince, Jr. Memorial 8-Ball League. We also presented an exact replica plaque to Leslie to take home with her, Lee said.
There were lots of hugs and tears throughout the room, especially from Leslie, who said through her tears that she had no idea that Bobby was so well liked in the pool community and that she is sure he is now her guardian angel and is looking out for her.
[nggallery id=78]