July 19, 2023 – Carlisle, PA: Local fundraising group Chalk Up for Charity held a pool tournament fundraiser this past March to benefit Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP). The 8-ball billiard tournament took place over a two-day span and included three separate events – Scotch Doubles, Women’s Singles and Open Singles.
The event raised $8,000 towards the free and confidential services DVSCP provides for anyone in Cumberland and Perry Counties fleeing life-threatening violence. Organizers Sharon Cramer, David Kling, Jeff Cekovich, John Brownewell and Shyla Rakers have been holding one or two events each year for the past three years to benefit local nonprofits, including PA Wounded Warriors and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The group chose DVSCP because they recently lost a very dear friend to suspected domestic violence, and pool was one of the things that she enjoyed. Last June, Chrisy Keefer was found shot to death in the woods behind her home in Lurgan Township, PA. The homicide investigation quickly identified her husband, Derrick Avey, as the main suspect, but before they could bring him in for questioning, he died in a police-involved shooting in Virginia that same day.
“We typically choose a charity that means something or has touched someone’s life on our team,” commented event organizer Sharon Cramer. “In this case, it has touched all of us. Chrisy was such an awesome person and dear friend. She was someone who would do anything for anyone if she was able, no questions asked. I personally am a survivor of domestic violence and knowing that I couldn’t save her breaks my heart every day. She will always be in our hearts and thoughts.”
The events bring in between 100-150 participants, who pay a registration fee to enter the tournament. Individual and business monetary donations helped the group cover event expenses, enabling them to provide a larger donation at the end of the event. They also held a raffle for various donated items.
Their next event is scheduled for October 2023 and will benefit the Teal Blankets Fund, which raises money for those in need of expensive treatments for gynecologic cancers.
“These tournaments are a lot of work, but in the end if we can make a donation to help someone, that is what it is all about for everyone involved, including the people who come to play,” said Cramer. “We couldn’t do it without all the participants.”
For more information about the organization or their next tournament, check out the Chalk Up for Charity Facebook page.
To learn about the free and confidential services DVSCP provides or how you can get involved, please visit www.dvscp.org.
Community members wishing to support Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties, seek additional information on domestic violence, or learn about events and volunteer opportunities, may call the agency at (717) 258-4806.
Event Photo 1: Pool tournament to benefit DVCSP in full swing.
Event Photo 2: The tournament was held at the Carlisle Fire & Rescue Services Building in Carlisle.
Event Photo 3: Event raffle items.