Cornhole for a Cause tournament raises $2,500 for suicide prevention and awareness

Melissa Preston competes in the Cornhole for
a Cause tournament that raised $2,500 for
veteran's suicide prevention programs at the
Windham Veterans Center on March 26.
PHOTO BY COLLETTE HAYES 

By Collette Hayes

Suicide ranks as the ninth-leading cause of death in Maine and second for cause of death among youth in Maine. Dave Langway, building manager at the Windham Veteran’s Center, says that suicide is a huge issue for military veterans as well and during the pandemic. A large number of military veterans with PTSD and other health concerns started losing their lives to suicide partly due to the increase in isolation as a result of the pandemic.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Humana Inc., and the Windham Veterans Center joined together in a common cause last Saturday to host the First Annual Cornhole for a Cause tournament held at the Windham Veteran’s Center. This year’s tournament raised $2,500 to promote suicide prevention and awareness. Several local businesses showed generosity and support by donating raffle prizes which were given away throughout the tournament. Barnard Financial, Redneck Creations, Sevee & Maher Engineers, Erik’s Church and Gorham Savings Bank all contributed to the success and fun filled atmosphere of the event.

According to Cathy Farthing Streifel, Board Member and Survivor Outreach Volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the focus of the AFSP organization is to educate the public and to raise funds for suicide research and programs.

“Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S.,” said Streifel. The Cornhole Tournament is one of many events during the year the AFSP organization sponsors to raise funds and awareness about the growing concerns of suicide. The main goal of this event is to support local veterans who may be in need of help. Also, in September we host The Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide which sends the message out to the community that suicide is preventable.”

Deante Campbell, a 19-year-old Air Force Delayed Entry Program member, greeted each person entering the Veteran’s Center and offered the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket. Campbell is a graduate of Sanford High School and is hoping to build a successful military career.

“I was excited to be part of this event today because I feel there is a real need for suicide prevention support,” said Campbell. Anything a person can do to take care of their physical and mental health is important. Suicide can definitely be addressed through education and raising awareness in the community.”

Cornhole is a simple backyard game where players of all ages take turns throwing a corn-filled bean bag from a 27-foot distance at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. The game is growing in popularity and becoming a recognized official sport.

This year, 32 teams registered to compete in the Cornhole for a Cause First Annual Tournament. Teams consisted of two people representing all age groups and skill levels. The level of excitement throughout the crowd grew each time one of the participants pitched an “airmail” shot.

The shot is one of four basic bean bag shots in Cornhole. The “airmail” is the most dramatic and similar to launching a three-pointer in basketball. The bean bag is tossed high into the air and then drops straight into the hole without touching the sides.

According to Melissa Preston, Ion Networking employee, Cornhole is a game that anyone can learn to play. The game is challenging enough to keep everyone happy, kids as well as adults.

“Ion Networking, was approached by Dave Langway to consider participating,” said Preston. “This is my first Cornhole tournament. Usually, our family plays Cornhole in the backyard just for fun. We entered a team in the tournament because we felt it was a great cause and we wanted the opportunity to help make a difference.”

If you feel you or someone you know is in crisis and may need help, call the Maine Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112. <