Two members of Sub T-16 won first place at Abilene Hope Haven’s First Annual BBQ and Cornhole Tournament April 18.

The winners, Barrett Brown, senior nursing major from Odessa, and Connor Osburn, senior accounting major from Southlake, took home the first-place prize, a customized cornhole set, after defeating 17 teams in the tournament.

Cornhole, which is sometimes called “bean bag toss,” is a lawn game where players throw bags of corn into a hole at the end of a raised platform.

Abilene Hope Haven is the only transitional homeless shelter in Abilene and the surrounding area for both individuals and families, said Alana Jeter, executive director of Abilene Hope Haven.

“Our residents can stay for a full year while we provide basic needs so that they can truly be self-sufficient when they leave the program,” Jeter said.

The team at Abilene Hope Haven began work for the event in January. Jeter said they wanted to host a fundraiser to raise awareness for the organization that was family friendly and not exclusive.

The event took place Saturday evening at Frontier Texas!. There were food trucks, bounce houses and face painting in addition to the cornhole tournament.

Osburn and Jeter said they had a good time playing in the tournament despite the extreme weather.

“For our first time, we were thrilled with that, especially since it hailed,” Jeter said. “But everything continued. People rolled up their pants, took off their shoes and played cornhole in the mud.”

About 250 people attended the event, and 18 teams participated in the double-elimination tournament.

“We got involved through our social club, Sub T-16, because we wanted to show our support for Hope Haven, as well as enjoy a fun event in the community,” Osburn said. “We faced off with some serious corn-holers, but props to my partner Barrett Brown for carrying the load and leading us to victory. Many thanks to those that worked hard to put on a great event.”

Brown also wanted to get involved to support the organization.

“The event was an incredible, vibrant experience for everyone who attended and all those who participated in the tournament,” Brown said. “I think that more of these events need to come together in Abilene. They’re attractive for the community and for their cause.”

Abilene Hope Haven is anticipating another BBQ and Cornhole Tournament next spring.

In the meantime, they are always looking for volunteers for a wide variety of tasks including watching kids during adult classes, painting rooms, gardening or helping with special events.

For more information or to volunteer, visit https://abilenehopehaven.com.