America’s beloved game of cornhole is coming to the Rose Bowl again, but this time the tournament is moving from the tailgating festivities in the parking lot and onto the historic grid iron in the stadium for a good cause.
The Bolton Foundation’s second annual “Throw Down” tournament hits the field Tuesday, July 19 and is expected to raise some serious cash for five deserving organizations that that address community development, education, youth services, and multiculturalism.
“We’re very fortunate to be in a position to work for a company that supports its employees. All of our employees are grateful for what we have, and we see this as an opportunity to give back to those who are going through difficult times,” said Bolton & Company Chief Operating Officer and Foundation Chairman Mike Morey.
The Bolton Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Pasadena based insurance broker Bolton & Company and has raised approximately $200,000 since the foundation’s formation in 2014, according to Bolton & Company Branding and Communications Specialist Greg Toumassian.
The cornhole tournament debuted last year and was successful.
“We raised about $72,000 last year alone. We knew we had to do it again,” said Morey.
The “Throw Down” turned out to be quite popular with Bolton & Company employees, clients, partners, attorneys and many others who make up the 96 teams confirmed ready to compete and bearing such punny names as “The Cornholios”, “Corn, Thugs, and Hominy”, and “Dazed and Cornfused” to name a few.
“We had to turn teams away this year,” said Morey.
The five non-profits selected to receive $10,000 donations each from this year’s “Throw Down” are the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Pasadena Police Activity League, The Place of South Pasadena and St. Anne’s.
Remaining funds that are raised will be administered as grants later on in the year at the Foundation’s signature event in December, “Granting Holiday Wishes,” according to Morey.
“Seeing The Bolton Foundation grow and flourish in such a short time is really an amazing experience, and it’s a testament to the hard work of our committee, volunteers and partners,” her said.
According to Morey, there are approximately 240 people expected to attend the event which includes a competition fee of $600 for the 96 teams and a $50 ticket price for spectators.
Morey credits the success and popularity of fundraisers like “Throw Down” that the Bolton Foundation hosts to the generous employee culture that Bolton & Company brings to the table.
“The employees have really understand that the Foundation is a big part of what we do as well,” said Morey. “We are incredibly fortunate to be in a place where we can provide support to those organizations that have made a truly positive impact within our community.”
The Bolton Foundation’s 2nd Annual “Throw Down” cornhole tournament will grace the famous Rose Bowl field Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the Bolton Foundation and to see how to get involved, visit www.boltoncofoundation.org.
