Cornhole for a Cause

Cornhole fun for a cause is coming again to Moore. The Moore Public Schools Foundation will host its second annual Cornhole Classic, a tournament fundraiser, on April 30. Inspired by last year’s success, the event is set to take place in a larger space: The Venue at Freedom Farms, 4701 N. Porter Ave. in Norman. “Although last year was our first time to host the Cornhole Classic as a brand-new event, we have already outgrown the previous site, Hollywood Corners. We will have access to acres of space to welcome even more attendees,” said Clayton Ramick, executive director of the Moore Public Schools Foundation.

The event is expected to be even more of a draw than last year. The 2021 Cornhole Classic brought more than 250 people out for an open-air activity during the pandemic, with more than 100 teams. Registration fees and donations brought its total funds raised to more than $53,000, all of which directly benefited local students and teacher-led efforts in the district.

All funds directly benefit students in the Moore Public Schools District.

“The money goes back to our principal grants,” said Ramick. “Principals at every Moore Public School are allowed to apply for grant funding. The grants are set up to benefit the entire school through specific efforts, like providing classroom sets of iPads, providing software or meeting a specific need, such PE, music or STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] equipment.

“We calculated last year’s Cornhole Classic had a positive effect on about 9,000 students. We fund those principal grants and then hold onto a little for emergency needs that come up in the district.”

When spring storms complicated 2021 graduation ceremony plans, some of those funds covered the cost of ponchos. Emergency funds also made a mental health week possible at Moore High School. Ramick said the Cornhole Classic is growing in other ways too in addition to the new, larger location. “Our Kids Corner will be bigger and better. We’re planning on more food and drinks and just building on the success of last year’s event overall,” he said. The event’s appeal as something different continues to add to its success.

“Last year, people committed that night to sponsoring this year’s event. It was clear, they absolutely wanted to be part of it as something different from normal fundraisers,” said Ramick. “Our attendees have reacted with resounding positivity. It’s different and interactive. We look forward to hosting the Cornhole Classic as an an- nual tradition open to families and kids.” Classen Urgent Care is the event’s title sponsor. “We can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for us,” said Ramick. “Their involvement allows us to offset the cost of the event. One of their office managers became a board member of the Foundation as well. We know their heart is really in it as they see the ways our students excel.”

Annual fundraiser benefits public school students across the Moore district

Sponsorships will continue to be accepted through April 15. Sponsors at the $1,500 level or higher are considered lane sponsors, with custom branded cornhole boards for use during the tournament that the business can keep after the event.

Team registration is available until April 27. Find more information at mooreschoolsfoundation.org/cornhole-classic/. “Put your party pants on and come have fun while we raise money for local students,” Ramick invited.–19SM