Cornhole tournament scores for youth programming

United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent's cornhole tournament, Sat. Feb. 1, 2025 (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

In an effort to support youth programming in Windsor-Essex, dozens of residents showed their cornhole skills in a charity tournament organized by the local United Way on Saturday afternoon.

The event was the first of its kind in support of “On Track to Success,” which aims to see more high school graduates and encourage higher post-secondary enrollment.

Leilani Logronio, the manager of labour programs and services for the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, said the goal is to raise about $20,000.

“The On Track to Success program, it provides wraparound supports to support not just the students, but the families that are participating in the program,” Logronio said inside the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 594.

Ahead of the event, $15,000 had already been raised through members, donors and fundraising.

“We had some participants bring in even cash donations that they collected. So, we still have to tally where we’re at, but we’re definitely reaching our goal of $20,000,” Logronio said.

Roger Dzugan, the chair of the United Way’s Retiree Volunteer Council, noted Saturday was their first signature event.

“It’s been very successful, so we’re always looking for new ways to raise money, and we came up with this idea to have cornhole, raise some money and also have some fun,” Dzugan said.

Through their programming, high school students have better access to counselling, mentorships, school supplies and food.

“They let us know how they’ve moved on, and they’re doing well,” Dzugan said about the feedback they receive.

“It just makes us proud to help these kids move on to careers.”

Fundraising efforts in support of the On Track to Success program will continue until the end of February.