Lynchburg, VA (WSET) — If you've been in Lynchburg for any amount of time, chances are you've stopped in The Cavalier.
Called THE CAV for Short.
It's famous for a few things.
The Vibes.
The Fries.
And the “CavCup” Pool Tournament.
Started in 1992 and going strong since then, this is the place to be for one Sunday for many in the Hill City.
“I wouldn't sacrifice this day for anything, it's my favorite day of the year; I've even taken off work for years and years on Monday. Called Cavalier Monday for Me,” said 2023 champ Greg Nash.
He has been participating in the tournament since it started.
And the only thing that trumps the atmosphere on CavCup Sunday is the reason why they are here.
“The proceeds of the tournament have raised $38,000. The tournament itself has helped us raise over $60,000,” said Jill Molloham, the executive director of the Lynchburg Humane Society.
That money is used by the humane society for just about everything.
From vet bills to vaccines, it makes a huge impact.
SEE ALSO: Lynchburg Humane Society offers free adoptions for long-term dogs
“It's not only opportunity to raise money to help pets but it's also an opportunity to talk to community members,” said Claire Lefew with the Lynchburg Humane Society.
The humane society always brings puppies to the tournament every year, and chances are those puppies go home with someone at the end of the day.
“Ninety percent adoption rate of the puppies we bring here, so that's pretty big,” said Molloham.
One of those puppies a few years ago found a new home on tournament Sunday.
With an employee of the Cav.
“I always work that day and I just saw this little cute pitbull hounse and I really wanted it, and I really shouldn't get it but I ended up going home with her at the end of the night,” said Abby Bennington, a bartender at The Cav.
“This organization is very well run, it's extremely well run and the support we get from them is terrific,” said Wells Duffy, the owner of The Cav.
Which is why he has partnered up with them every year for at least the last 10.
Even paying for the dog's adoption fees on Tournament Sunday.
But – it's not just the support that is terrific around here, it's also the competition.
This year a field of over 30 competitors will be narrowed down to one WINNER come Sunday.
“I think the favorite would probably be Walker honestly, he won it last year and one other year – I think a lot of people would say Walker would be the favorite,” said Jake Hill, an employee of The Cav and the tournament director.
“A chance to combine a great restaurant, great friends, with a wonderful charity all in one event – it means a lot to me to be able to participate,” said Walker Pettyjohn, the 2024 Champion.
