The 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament for Autism (2008)

The 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament for Autism in 2008 was the best ever. We decided to make some changes to this year's. Since in the past every winner contributed all of their winnings to Autism Speaks, we decided to have all of the money go towards Autism Speaks / Walk Now for Autism up front and find local business that would be willing to donate items to the winners. Here were the companies / individuals who contributed awards:

• The Candle Lab
• The Shamrock Golf Club
• Dance Plus Ballroom
• Peabody Papers
• Figlio / Vino Vino
• Kinsale Golf Club - courtesy of Tim Daly
• Gogotech (a digital picture frame) - courtesy of my brother Nat Long
• Danny Harris
• Pizza sponsored by Byrne's Pub and Grandad's Pizza

Another major change is in the past the money has gone directly to Autism Speaks. This year, the Innaugural Columbus, Ohio Walk Now for Autism event had been scheduled for October 12, 2008. As part of this fundraising event, we created a team (Brady's Team) to see which team can donate the most money for autism. In the end, all of the money still goes to Autism Speaks. But it added a fun competitive spirit to the fundraising.

Also, since in 2007 we received so many random donations from non cornhole participants, we decided to add other ways to raise money including a 50/50 drawing. We also recognize the top co-ed couple since there have been in increasing number of same sex couples. Other changes we might mention.......(1) 2 kegs this year instead of 1 (2) a bigger trophy to the winner, (3) 'Walk Now for Autism' beer coozies with the past champions names on them. A little more organization and a little more preparation went a long way this year. We had 33 teams and several other 'observers'.

In the end we raised over $3000. Wow! Here were the top 3 finshers:

1. Mr. Jeff Roberts and Brian Slaven
2. Ryan Huss and Chris Mackey
3. Joe Looney and Jerry Long (my brother)

The top co-ed couple were our next door neighbors, Dustin and Patty Gardner. The 50/50 drawing was won by their son, Tyler Gardner (3rd grade) - who I rememebr paying me in quarters. Tyler even gave back some of the winnings to the charity. I increased my keg stand from 11 seconds to 14 seconds - which no one could top. Actually only 1 person tried - my brother Jerry - who claimed the ice was too cold on his hands. Pictures from the event will be posted to the blog soon.

On a side note, I attended a Walk Now for Autism Speaks event in January of 2009 where I received a plaque for Brady's Team raising between $2,500 - $5,000. It was definitely quite an honor and most of it was a result of the Cornhole Tournament and all of your support. having said that, our goal for 2009 is to raise over $5,000. Thanks again and we're looking forward to next year (and a 17 second keg stand).