In Focus: Cornhole tournament to benefit Delray children’s center on target for January
On Jan. 29, playing cornhole will help provide meals for families at the Achievement Centers for Children & Families in Delray Beach.
ACCF and Hopportunities are partnering to host their first annual Cornhole for the Kids Tournament at 11 a.m. at Hopportunities Beer Hall, 440 NE Fiftth Ave., Delray Beach. All proceeds will benefit ACCF programs, serving more than 700 local children and families.
“Hopportunities does so much for local children in the community, so when we approached owner John Macatangay with the idea of a cornhole fundraiser, he was excited to partner with us,” said ACCF Chief Development Officer Jessica Hall. “Hopportunities is a great venue, they are passionate about philanthropy, so it’s a perfect fit!”
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The tournament is scheduled for double elimination. The team that wins two out of three games against their opponent wins the round, which guarantees that every team will play at least two games. Teams are matched in a bracket format, and any team that loses two games is eliminated. The winning teams continue to play until a winner is crowned.
The idea began when Hall and Macatangay met at a community event. Hall knew that Hopportunities hosts cornhole tournaments, and that Macatangay is a big supporter of the local community (he recently held a gingerbread house-making contest with proceeds benefiting ACCF).
“We have an awesome day planned for all of our players,” Macatangay said. “So many Delray Beach locals want to learn more about partnering with local non-profits, and this event is a perfect opportunity. Come out ready to play, enjoy food, drink, music and camaraderie — all for a great cause.”
The tournament will be hosted outside at the Hopportunities parking lot. The restaurant offers 10% off to anyone who takes Uber or Lyft, walks over, or gets dropped off.
The cost per team is $65, and the goal is to sign up at least 50 teams. Event, food and beverage, prize and swag bag sponsorship opportunities are also available. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third-place teams; there will also be a 50/50 raffle and a unique ring toss game for the chance to win cash and additional prizes.
Funds raised will go toward ACCF’s continued efforts to combat food insecurity for the hundreds of children and families it serves. They do this by ensuring that students in their Early Learning Program are fed both breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks during the day.
“Many of our families work multiple jobs, so the hope is that by taking the worry of food insecurity away from them, at least while their child is with us for the day, that they can enjoy quality family time together once they arrive at home,” said Kelly Kronin, ACCF event and marketing manager.
ACCF prides itself on hosting many fundraisers in support of its mission. These range from very traditional (such as a golf tournament) to unique, signature events such as the Witches of Delray charity bike ride and the Annual Home Tour.
The Cornhole Tournament will add even more variety to the ACCF calendar.
“In order to meet our fundraising goals, ACCF must continue to come up with creative ways to host as many events as possible,” Kronin said. “Adding an annual cornhole tournament was a perfect opportunity to capture another audience of the community to whom we can introduce ACCF and our mission.”
Cornhole (also known regionally as bags, sack toss, or bean bag toss) is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing 16 ounce bags of corn kernels at a raised platform (board) with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the board scores 1 point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds the score of 21.
For more information or to sign up to play in the Cornhole Tournament, visit www.achievementcentersfl.org/all-events.
At Achievement Centers for Children & Families, children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), After School, Teen and Summer Camp programs that help prepare them for academic and social success and inspire them to discover their talents.
“We’re always looking for volunteers and community partners who would like to join us in our efforts,” Kronin said. “ACCF is a truly incredible place, where we do wonderful work for children and families who need us the most. We invite anyone who would like to learn more, to come for a tour of our campus.”
ACCF serves hundreds of local children and families each year from three locations in Delray Beach; Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. For more information, call 561-266-0003 or visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cornhole Tournament will benefit Delray Achievement Centers
