For JLL, Cornhole Makes Everyone's Life a Little Better

A couple of bean bags. Two inclined boards. Twenty-seven feet of lawn.

For the Junior League of Lancaster (JLL), cornhole is more than a game. Cornhole is an avenue for bringing neighbors together to help fellow neighbors, a vehicle for feeding the hungry and a fun fundraiser.

"Cornhole is one of the fastest-growing sports in America," said Tesla Atkins, one of the organizers of JLL's upcoming cornhole fundraiser. "It's easy to set up a tournament. It's something everyone could do and enjoy. It's a summer fun activity. We've gotten a lot of community (support) in the past. They come for cornhole but maybe have a fun time watching polo as well."

The fourth edition of JLL's annual Cornhole Classic will be staged from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 15 - Father's Day - at the Lancaster Polo Club's Forney Field, 70 Church St., Lititz. The rain date for the family-friendly community event is scheduled for Sunday, June 22.

Players are encouraged to register for the tournament at http://www.jllancaster.org/the-cornhole-classic/ or in person up until 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Prizes will be awarded in advanced, intermediate and beginners' categories.

At 2 p.m. on that same day, the Lancaster Polo Club will host a home match.

An admission fee will be charged to cover all the activities that day.

"Some of the (cornhole) players in the advanced group travel to events and they're the crowd to beat," said Atkins. "I think my favorite part of the event is getting to play cornhole with people you care about. It can be a spouse, a friend or a loved one. Spending quality time with a loved one, you really can't go wrong."

In addition to flying bean bags and polo, JLL's Cornhole Classic will also feature eight food trucks, music, a silent auction, games, beverages and local artisan vendor stands.

"The vibe is whatever you want it to be," said Atkins. "It can be chill playing cornhole, or you can watch polo. You can go shopping with the vendors. We will also be honoring dads and making sure they have great times as well."

The event is expected to draw nearly 100 cornhole players and another 400 spectators and visitors. JLL is hoping to raise $15,000 to battle food insecurity in Lancaster County.

JLL is self-funded through sponsored community events and dues paid by members.

"We are trying to raise funds to fight food insecurity," said Atkins. "We are women-led, but we are supporting everyone in Lancaster who is struggling with food insecurity. We have a community impact group and a fund development group. We support a number of initiatives throughout Lancaster. Whether we're sending a volunteer or a monetary donation, we want to invest in community programs. We want to be intentional in helping groups."

Headquartered at 1130 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, JLL is one of nearly 300 chapters of the Association of Junior Leagues International located in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The local branch, which was formed in 1923, is sustained by nearly 80 active members.

"We are trying to promote and perpetuate social change in Lancaster," said Atkins. "We've kind of been silently helping for years. But the only way to grow is to let people know what we're doing. We're so welcoming and inclusive. It's awesome to make new friendships. It's so many women from so many walks of life, and everyone has a hand in our accomplishments."

"The Junior League of Lancaster is doing wonderful work," continued Atkins. "Even if you don't know about cornhole or polo, come out and learn about us. It's going to be a great day. Just get to know us a little better."

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