Grab your partner, dust off those bean bags, and get ready to toss for a purpose at the 1st ever Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser benefiting Folsom’s Hope on Saturday, May 17. The event takes place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Lakeside Church and registration is now open for this unique fundraiser.Whether you’re a backyard legend or just in it for the good vibes, this event promises fun competition, community spirit—and a chance to support one of Folsom’s most meaningful youth programs.
Check-in opens at 1:00 p.m., with bags officially flying at 2:00 p.m. Teams of two will compete in round-robin matches that lead into either a Championship or Backyard Bracket, so everyone gets in on the action, no matter their skill level. Tournament registration includes team play, event t-shirts, and two drink tickets. Early bird pricing is available through April 22 for $150 per team; after that, it’s $200 per team.
Teams can register now by clicking here: Click here to register a team. But this isn’t just about cornhole. It’s about changing lives.
The fundraiser will directly support Folsom’s Hope as it expands its programming for the 2025–2026 school year—a mission rooted in compassion, equity, and community. Since its founding in 2008 by Folsom resident Salwa Kasabian, Folsom’s Hope has stepped into the lives of students and families facing significant socioeconomic challenges. Its work began at Theodore Judah Elementary, located within one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods.
“A lot of people don’t realize it, but if you draw a one-mile circle around that school, you’ll find over half of Folsom’s residents living at or below the poverty line,” Kasabian explained in a previous spotlight article by Style Media. “In a city known for affluence, there are also deep areas of need.”
What started as a simple lunchtime mentorship program known as JUMP (Judah United Mentor Project) quickly grew into a full suite of services under the umbrella of Folsom’s Hope. Programs like STARs (Students Together Achieving Results) offer after-school support, recreation, and a place to belong during the critical 3–6 p.m. window, when many kids are unsupervised. The goal is always the same: to provide consistent, nurturing relationships that help students feel seen, valued, and hopeful.
Over the years, Folsom’s Hope has added tutoring, family support, and additional outreach to other local schools. Their mentorship model—similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters—offers not only academic and emotional guidance but also a consistent adult presence in a child’s life, something research shows is key to long-term success.
With help from local churches, the Twin Lakes Food Bank, private donors, and over 100 volunteers, Folsom’s Hope continues to grow. Yet the need is still great. For every child they serve, there are at least three more waiting.
“Hope is powerful,” Kasabian says. “We want to offer not only help but also the kind of love and support that can truly transform a child’s future.”
So this May, when you step onto that cornhole court, know you’re playing for more than bragging rights. You’re playing to bring hope—and opportunity—to the kids who need it most.
To register your team, or learn more about how you can support this vital mission, visit folsomshope.org/events.
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