YWCA hosts cornhole tournament for a cause

Apr. 6—On Saturday April 6, St. Joseph community members played 'Cornhole for a Cause.'

The YWCA event, sponsored by Pop's Place, included a cornhole tournament as well as a silent auction.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the YWCA is hosting many events in order to recognize and aid survivors of sexual assault.

Corina Merritt is the survivor outreach specialist at the St. Joseph YWCA. Merritt was excited to put on this event for the first time in order to acknowledge SAAM.

"Every year during April, it's Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we try to do something to bring awareness, we actually do several things," Merritt said. "But, today we've decided to put on a cornhole tournament; something different to try, and we seem to have a pretty good turnout. So we're just excited to be able to bring something different to the table. Just something that people don't usually go and do or it's kind of newer, you know."

Registration was $20 per person and proceeds from the event went to help survivors of sexual violence by providing them with clean outfits and hygiene products.

"The proceeds are going to help the community outreach department," Merritt said. "One of the things we do is stock hygiene products and clothing for the SANE Closet at Mosaic. Basically it's a closet in a room where people that have been assaulted can get their sexual assault exam, and then, by law they are required to be offered a shower afterwards. And so we provide the clothing and hygiene items for them afterwards for that shower."

The event kicked off at 1 p.m. and drew a large crowd of community members looking to support the cause.

The St. Joseph YWCA has several other events in April, including their annual walk at Remington Nature Center and celebration of Demin Day on April 24.