On Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Seaside Park, the Marblehead Police and Fire departments will partner with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island through the Heroes For Hope campaign, hosting a 64-team cornhole tournament.
Custom cornhole boards have been created and donated to Make-A-Wish by HEYDUDE. All proceeds from the tournament will support Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s mission to create life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses.
“Last year, we had over 25 first-responder departments join us, hosting a wide variety of creative fundraisers throughout the year, raising over $60,000 for local children in need,” said Caroline Craig, community partnerships coordinator for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Craig emphasized the importance of attending the event, sharing her personal experience of living with a chronic illness and being inspired by nonprofit work like Make-A-Wish.
“It allows the opportunity to have a local impact and know that you can make a difference,” she said.
Make-A-Wish began in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, when a 7-year-old boy named Chris Greicius, who was battling leukemia, wished to become a police officer. The local police department granted his wish, allowing him to spend an entire day as an honorary officer. Shortly afterward, Chris passed away, but his wish inspired the creation of the charity.
“This was the birth of Make-A-Wish, we have been bringing hope, strength, and joy to children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for over 40 years,” said Craig. “It’s well known all over, and the Heroes for Hope campaign is really special because we get to work with police and fire departments to make it all happen.”
There are wishes pending locally, including some in Marblehead. Funds raised will go directly toward helping these children.
The registration fee for the cornhole tournament is $50 per person or $100 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top team. To register, visit h4hmarblehead.givesmart.com. For more information on Make-A-Wish, visit worldwish.org.