By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent
The music was playing, the drinks were flowing and the bags were flying at the Laborers Local 110 Cornhole Tournament Feb. 5 – all of which produced a blast for attendees and much-needed funding for the FOCUS Marines Foundation.
After the tournament’s proceeds and a donation on behalf of Local 110, $3,000 was raised for the foundation, which develops and administers programs for wounded warriors to assist them in their transition from military to civilian lives.
AMAZING
“All of our funding comes from private donations, and Laborers Local 110 is just amazing,” said Holly Klaesner, the foundation’s development coordinator. “When veterans come back, they feel like they no longer have a purpose or mission and often turn to drugs and alcohol. We offer all veterans Post 9/11 a free seven-day course to give them a new focus and mission along with the tools and support they need.”
Local 110 President Rob Reed and LIUNA Event Center Event Coordinator Molly Wilcox had talked about putting the event together for a while, but the timing was never right. The two thought it would make for a great event given the popularity of the game and the cold, dreariness of the winter months. The game is usually played outside.
EVERYTHING PERFECT
“Everything was perfect,” Reed said. “We had 37 teams, which was a great size crowd for our first time hosting an event like this. A lot of the players brought friends and family. We’re hoping to make it an annual event.”
Local 110 journeyman Brad Robertson and his wife Lisa – also a Local 110 journeywoman – played in the tournament and both said they had a lot of fun.
SUPPORTS A GOOD CAUSE
“We’re here because we both like bags and the event supports a good cause,” he said. “We’re not winning yet, but we’re doing our best. It’s never too late.”
Robertson later won a side pot game called “8 Ball” and donated his winnings of $100 directly to FOCUS Marines.
Amy Kirklin, a project assistant for Local 110 signatory contractor PCX Construction, also took part in the event.
“I like to play bags and the event benefits our veterans,” she said. “A lot of laborers from our company are here, and we’re having a great time.”
ABOUT FOCUS MARINES
The Focus Marines Foundation was founded in 2010 by Marine veterans for Marine veterans, although it assists any Post 9/11 veteran. It offers a free, seven-day course each quarter for vets across the United States and works to reverse the downward spiral in which they are trapped. The courses are held on a private, serene farm just West of St. Louis.
For more information about the program, visit focusmarines.org or call 314-243-4140.
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