RUMFORD — A local musician, actor and pinball machine collector is holding a pinball tournament at his house on Sunday, July 12, to raise money for a Mexico man fighting cancer.
Doors open at noon for Eric Schmersal’s “Pinball Tournament for a Father/Son/Brother and Friend” at the RumMex Pinball House at 603 Franklin St. in Rumford.
Schmersal said Tuesday morning that all proceeds go to cancer patient Rick “Weaz” Provencher. He said Provencher was his older brother’s good friend and Schmersal’s friend for more than 40 years.
“Rick has been a good friend of mine and so has his family for years and shows admirable courage with his battle with a terrible disease,” Schmersal said. “He has family respectability in his heart and he holds much respect to those that are close to him.”
According to a GoFundMe site set up by Provencher’s daughter, Heather Dubendris, her father was hospitalized this spring with pneumonia. During that time, doctors diagnosed him with small-cell lung cancer, a form of cancer that spreads quickly. She said Rick “is staying positive,” and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
To help, visit www.gofundme.com/RProvencher. As of early Tuesday afternoon, $210 had been raised toward a goal of $10,000, according to the site.
Schmersal said participants will play 10 pinball machines picked by the RumMex Pinball House. They can play by themselves or with friends. Total individual scores will be added up and the one with the most points by day’s end wins, he said.
“Awesome trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place,” he said. “The cost is $20 per person, with all proceeds going to Rick to help him with ongoing medical costs. This is for a good cause and we want lots of people to be there playing pinball and having some fun.”
Schmersal said Provencher will attend the fundraiser “to play the silver ball.”
Pinball machines will be set to free play, meaning no quarters are needed.
“We will have players there to show you some pinball moves and help you understand the machines, so everyone has a great shot at being a pinball wizard,” he said.
Schmersal said people can bring an item for the food table, such as soft drinks, chips and dip. He will be cooking hot dogs on the grill.
Additionally, the Rumford Eagles Club will hold a “Rick Provencher Benefit” from 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 24, at the Rumford Eagles Hall.
There will be a supper, raffles, 50/50 drawing, as well as live music throughout the day and night. Provencher’s brother, Troy Provencher, said that in the coming weeks, bake sales, car washes and other fundraisers will be organized to precede the July 24 event.
“Please keep Rick in your thoughts and prayers and come out and support this great man I get to call my brother in this unfortunate time in life,” he said.
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