Hopefest brings out cornhole players to support cancer patients

Cornhole players from across the region came out to raise funds for cancer patients during the annual Hopefest tournament on Aug. 11 in downtown Carson City.

The event was hosted by Sierra Nevada Realtors near McFadden Plaza off Curry Street. Tony Kiel, marketing and communications manager at Carson Tahoe Health, said the fundraiser benefits the health group’s Cancer Resource Center, which assists patients directly with bills and lodging.

“If they need lodging, we have the Merriner Cottages, which offer cost-free lodging for people especially coming out of town, coming from Winnemucca or Yerington,” he said. “That way, they’re not commuting every day back and forth. That’s the big thing about the wraparound services that happen up there at the cancer center. It’s not just, ‘Hey, we’re treating it.’ It’s we’re supporting the entire human being and their loved ones.”

Minden resident Bill Merrill was warming up with his teammate John Fent. Merrill plays cornhole competitively in two local leagues, Silver State Cornhole and Sierra Nevada Cornhole.

“Besides being a cornhole player, I always support the Hopefest,” he said.

Bill’s wife, Kathy Merrill, was sitting nearby watching players practice. She supports the cause in more ways than one, working as a cancer nurse at Carson Tahoe’s infusion center.

“I’ve been there for about two years now, and it’s completely changed my life,” she said. “The hope that they have there…it’s just a different realm from being a critical care nurse to going there. I really just enjoy helping people get through the most devasting time in their lives.”

Kathy explained the fundraiser was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is kind of bringing it back to life, which is great,” she said of this year’s event.

“We are so appreciative of this partnership with Sierra Nevada Realtors for this cause that supports not only our community, but people across the state who come here to Carson to get treatment," said Ryan Patton, vice president of Carson Tahoe Medical Group. “The funds raised here go to give them practical help and a little comfort during a very difficult time in their lives.”

Approximately 71 teams competed in the cornhole tournament raising $12,000 from the event alone. An ongoing raffle fundraiser with Carson City Toyota could raise more than $100,000, according to Carson Tahoe officials.

For more information about Carson Tahoe’s Cancer Resource Center, visit  https://www.carsontahoe.com/cancer-resource-center.html.

The winners of this year’s cornhole tournament:

Competitive

• King Seat
• Reconcile
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Backyard (noncompetitive)

• Scott’s Tots
• Tholl Fence
• Young and Dirty