More than 125 players, making up 60 teams, competed in the Maine Cornhole Classic (MCC) fundraiser, formerly the Boothbay Cornhole Classic, Sept. 6 to benefit Special Olympics Maine’s Unified Champion Clubs and Augusta Area Food Bank. The event included both competitive and social team categories, and the return of the Airmail Challenge. 

Sawyer Boulette, president of Midcoast Charitable Partners of Maine and Operations Manager-Augusta Food Bank, and MCC chair, announced MCC had raised over $50,000. Boulette was assisted in the tallying of all results by MCC co-chair Rob Wheeler of J. Edward Knight Insurance and MCC committee member Krystal Blackman-Navarette of Boothbay.

The top three Competitive Division Round Robin winners: #1 - Boothbay Fire Station; #2 - Good Bag; #3 - Baggin' Ain't Easy

The top three teams in new Social Division Round Robin : #1 - Shuck Dynasty; #2 - Boatyard Great Cornholios; #3 - Moose

No strangers to competition, Maine Special Olympics athletes Joey Ranco and Valerie Giles watched the games.

The event had a silent auction with gift baskets from local businesses featuring everything from fun and essential items for children to those assembled for the over 21 set. The live auction, in which Celtics and two Red Sox tickets (at dugout, valued at $1,500) among other off the peninsula activities were bid on, often raising upwards of $1,000.

“The Maine Cornhole Classic was more than just a tournament this year — it was a community coming together,” said Boulette.  “From the teams and sponsors to the volunteers and fans, everyone played a part in making the day unforgettable. We tossed bags, we raised funds, and most importantly, we helped fuel inclusion through Special Olympics Maine Unified Champion Clubs and fight hunger with the Augusta Food Bank. That’s what this event is all about - tossing bags for a purpose.These funds will directly benefit both organizations to expand their life changing impact across the state.”

This year Boulette worked to create awareness by involving as many people as possible not only here on the Midcoast, but in Central Maine. “By expanding our service area, we aim to attract a broader base of players, spectators, donors, and volunteers,” said Boulette. “Our vision is bold: within five years, we hope to make our tournament for cornhole what the TD Beach to Beacon is for road racing, a premier, a can’t miss event that rallies the community for a greater cause.”

Michael Marcelynas/Wicked Cornhole Events emceed the sports action; Real Wicked Events,  music; Mine Oyster, full bar; and Footbridge Brewery’s BBQ fueled the players.

Watch for possible further updates on the Maine Cornhole Classic Facebook page.