Annual Bags and Beers Cornhole Tournament Set for Aug. 1

Courtesy Photos

For the third straight year, Team Sweaty Already is back again with its Bags and Beers fundraiser cornhole tournament. The tournament is to raise funds and increase awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. The team is participating in the MS Challenge Walk — a 3-Day, 50-mile walk that takes place Sept. 11-13, on Cape Cod.

Last year, team Sweaty Already raised more than $9,000 bringing the team’s five year total to $34,000. Their goal is to raise $10,000 this year which will bring the six year fundraising to $45,000. Proceeds from the walk and their annual Bags and Beers fundraiser support the National MS Society’s Greater New England Chapter.

Tara Tonello and Shelley Kresser (formerly both Hardimon’s, Wilmington residents) started fundraising in 2010 in honor of their mom, Susan Hardimon, who was diagnosed in 2003. They participate and fundraise for the MS Challenge Walk, along with their husbands Brian and Erik to give back and to honor their mom for all that she has done, and the bravery that she shows each day facing this unpredictable disease. Each day is a struggle for her, but she is determined in battling, overcoming, and adapting her life because of her MS.

Their annual fundraiser helps raise funds for their fundraising requirement, which is $1,500 per person. The Cornhold tournament takes place on Saturday Aug. 1 at the Knights of Columbus in Wilmington. This is a cornhole/bean bag toss tournament. The first year featured more than 32 teams and raised nearly $5,000. Last year more than 40 teams participated, and the team raised more than $9,000 because of the success of the tournament.

All proceeds from “Bags and Beers” goes to the team’s MS Challenge Walk fundraising efforts. Team donation amount (two players) is $50. There will be other fun activities, raffles, food and music there for those who might not want to play, but still want come out to show your support. The Knights of Columbus and other local businesses generously donate the space and pizza to keep costs low, which helps them raise more money for those with MS.

The MS Challenge Walk weekend is an amazing experience where more than 500 walkers come together to honor those they know with MS. It truly is a powerful event and Team Sweaty Already “feels so fortunate to be able to walk each year in honor of those who can’t. Fifty miles over three days is no easy task. You walk 20 miles on Friday, 20 miles on Saturday and then 10 on Sunday, but it’s nothing compared to what those living with MS have to face and each day,” says Tara Tonello. “The blisters, muscle aches, sunburns, sore legs and ’sweaty’ days are worth it as we know we are making a difference and empowering those with MS. Every dollar we raise helps the National MS Society get one step closer to finding a cure and allows them to provide additional support services and programs to help those living with MS today.”

To learn more about the team’s fundraising efforts, visit http://teamsweatyalready.com. On the website you can also register to participate in the cornhole tournament, learn more about team Sweaty Already, and access information on how you can donate and give back.