By SHERI GASSAWAY
Assistant Editor
Laborers Local 110 is once again supporting the FOCUS Marines Foundation by raising nearly $7,000 for the organization through its 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament.
After the tournament’s proceeds and a donation on behalf of Local 110, $6,973 was raised for the foundation, which develops and administers programs for wounded warriors to assist them in their transition from military to civilian lives. The event was held Feb. 4 at the Local 110 union hall in Sunset Hills.
‘MORE THAN DOUBLE’
“The event went really well, and we raised more than double what we did last year,” said Local 110 President Rob Reed. “We had more teams than we did last year, and we had more time to approach local sponsors, which really helped out.”
Reed and LIUNA Event Center Event Coordinator Molly Wilcox came up with the idea for the fundraiser last year. 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.
‘THRILLED’
“We were just thrilled to learn Laborers Local 110 was holding the tournament again to raise money for us this year,” said Holly Klaesner, the foundation’s development coordinator. “The donation will go into our general fund to help us continue to hold our free seven-day course to give veterans a new focus and mission. We’ve already helped more than 1,000 veterans with our program.”
Local 110 journeyman Matt Pinson played in the tournament.
‘FOR A GOOD CAUSE’
“I came out to see my fellow laborers and to raise money for a good cause,” said the 20-year Local 110 member.
Tina Murabito, a friend of Rob and Julie Reed, also took part in the event. She played on a team called #GirlsRule with Julie Reed.
“It’s a fun event, and the more people the better,” said Murabito, whose husband Dino is a veteran and members of Operating Engineers 148. “Plus, it benefits our veterans.”
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 can be 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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