Emerging Philanthropists put the “Fun” in Fundraising at Cornhole Tournament

Friendly banter, laughter and music from a live DJ filled the air at this year’s Emerging Philanthropist’s (EPs) Cornhole Tournament. For the second consecutive year, Adams Outdoor Advertising provided the perfect space to deepen community connections with fun and friendly competition.

“This event is everything I heard about it,” said Tom Vitale, an attorney at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge and new member of the EPs. “It’s unique, fun and a way to give back— a win-win-win.”

To fit a larger crowd than ever, the party expanded outside the Adams building into a canopy tent equipped with a stadium-style buffet and bar with the Tigers vs. Guardians game playing in the background. Members of the Eastern Michigan Univeristy’s (EMU) men’s basketball team joined in on the fun, participating in the tournament and raffles.

“The team is learning to give back to the community that has already given so much to them,” said Assistant Coach Carlos McMath, director of basketball operations at EMU. “It’s about getting out of their comfort zones and interacting with the community— I mean, these are the people who will be at our games.”

WINNERS GALORE

Every team entered the tournament hoping to win, but only three teams came out with awards: the Cornhole Tournament Champions, the Best Dressed and the Lowest Scorers. The team outfits competition was stiff with lion’s jerseys, jumpsuits and t-shirts labelled GOAT: Greatest of All Tossers.

Team Lumberjacks, outfitted in knitted hats and flannels, took home the biggest win of the night.

“We had so much fun with everybody,” said Kyle Dubuc, vice president of communications, advocacy and executive offices at United Way for Southeastern Michigan, who led team Lumberjacks alongside his son Jackson. “But tonight is really about raising money for a good cause so I’m glad everybody came out, glad we got to be a part of it and that we get to go home with an awesome trophy.”

Team Fashion Divas were crowned best dressed in their very fresh 90’s style jumpsuits and fanny pack accessories. The vice president of Community Investment at Grantmaking and Community Impact at Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Chris Lemon, and the co-chair of United Way for Southeastern Michigan campaigns, Rich Chang, vowed to come back next year to defend their stylish title.

“The Fashion Divas will be back next year and bringing our A-game, so you all better bring yours,” said Chris.

JOIN THE FUN

Under the fading fall sunshine, attendees made bids on beautifully crafted raffle prize baskets, which included tickets to Pistons and U-M games, a Sherrone Moore autographed football, speakers, tumblers, deluxe spirits and power tools.

With more people and prizes, the EPs raised a record-breaking $19,000 to help the community with basic needs, education, literacy, finances and more.

“Community is everything, it’s about connections and how we help each other,” said Jamie Taralunga, owner of 2 West Ypsi in her GOAT team t-shirt. “We all depend on each other, and we can’t do this without each other.”

Southeastern Michigan’s EPs represent our sector of 75,000 leaders in 165 communities in 4 countries across the globe. Each EP represents a collective desire to improve lives and create stronger communities.

“I just moved to Dexter about a year ago, and then I joined the EPs when I heard about it through my friends, Megan and Liz,” said Tom. “It’s special that the EPs tailor their giving to the most in need causes in the community.”

Interested in becoming an Emerging Philanthropist? Click here to learn more about the EPs criteria and impact.