Fundraiser to get people outside

Project ASCENT’s goal is to get kids outside and learn about the outdoors, and their latest fundraiser is aimed at getting donors outside for some fun as well.

The first annual cornhole tournament is set for Saturday, June 23, in Thompson Falls. The double-elimination bracket will feature 50 teams. The tournament kicks off at 10 a.m with registration, and bags fly at 11 a.m. Cost is $25 per team, with the tournament winners getting $200 and a custom cornhole set and bags handmade by local artists. Prizes also will be awarded for best team name, best team costume.

The tournament will run until approximately 6 p.m., with an awards ceremony afterward.

“We encourage teams that have been eliminated to stick around or come back as other prizes will be given out and our raffles will be drawn at that time,” said Andrea Fernandez with Project ASCENT.

Fernandez said 100 percent of the proceeds from all purchases made during the tournament will go directly to the non-profit, and will be used to purchase the remaining equipment for summer camps, including kayaks. She said that due to cash prizes being available, only people age 21 or older can play in the tournament, but kids are invited to come and watch, and the group will have a kid zone set up on-site.

The tournament will take place on property one mile up Cherry Creek Road. A map is available on the website, http://www.projectascent.org. Signs will be posted the day of the event as well.

Smoked brats and burgers will be available for purchase, as well as refreshments including beer and wine. Project ASCENT gear, including koozies, will be for sale at the event. Fernandez also reminded attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

Several local businesses are helping to sponsor the cornhole tournament, including Hagedorn Land Surveying, MontanaFancy Indoor Outfitters, Fernandez Wallcovering and Paint, Sorlie Septic Services, Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge, Bernie’s Auto, Sanders County Ledger, Inland Empire Builders, Doug’s True Value, Kettlehouse Brewing, Taylor Excavating, First Security Bank, and Harvester Logging. 

Project ASCENT provides educational outdoor experiences, primarily to underprivileged youth and veterans Project ASCENT works to advance personal responsibility, character development, health and well-being, civic engagement, leadership development, and stewardship through adventure-based experiential education.

To sign up for the cornhole tournament, go to projectascent.org/thinkoutside, email [email protected] or call 799-1793.