A very successful 10th Annual Mary Stahel Memorial Pool Tournament was held at Pagels Pub & Grub, which resulted in three charities each receiving a $5,725 check. Coordinator Lori Baumann expressed gratitude “the local businesses are so generous, Jack Pagels was a huge help. The freezer full of food that Jack donated was won by Mary’s husband Eugene Stahel.”
Mary lost her battle to breast cancer in June 2003. Lori Baumann and Sheila Westphal shot league pool with Mary and wanted to do something special to remember her. They started a women’s pool tournament to raise money for local cancer funding. The first year approximately 16 teams competed at The Loop in Little Chicago. The past three years, including this 10th Annual Mary Stahel Memorial Pool Tournament, was held at Pagels Pub & Grub on April 6. There were 26 women’s double teams that competed playing on four pool tables. In 2012, over $12,000 was raised. There have been years that one of the top three pool teams have donated some or all of their cash prize back. This year’s goal was $15,000; the amount raised was $17,175. Aspirus Health Foundation, American Cancer Society, and the Children’s Miracle Network each received a check for $5,725.
“We’re grateful that the Berlin-Hamburg Lions Club helps sell raffle tickets the day of the tournament,” remarked Lori. Justin Brown won the getaway to New Orleans which included airfare and lodging, Jenna Stahel won the mystery prize (a 42-inch TV), and son Steve Stahel won a beer party at Jumpers (formerly The Loop). The Stahel family remains very involved; Eugene donates a half barrel of beer for the crowd’s enjoyment every year.
Next year’s 11th Annual Mary Stahel Memorial Pool Tournament is planned for March 29, 2014, at Pagels Pub & Grub, 14134 Hwy F, Athens.