Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament shatters fundraising records with community support

By Camille DeVaul · Fri May 19 2023

Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament shatters fundraising records with community support

Event raises unprecedented funds, thanks to local businesses and generous donations

PASO ROBLES — In its third year, the Paso Robles High School Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament turned out to be one of the highest-earning fundraisers in its history on Saturday, May 13.

Held at the Ravine Waterpark, the Boosters welcomed new activities to this year's lineup. Ryan Bueter and Donny Scott debuted at the event as the "Killer Dueling Pianos." The two donated all of their song request tips back to the Boosters, adding an additional $800 in profit. The generosity of the community did not stop there. Etto Pasta made and sponsored dinner for the event, while Hope Family Winery sponsored the music.

Bearcat Booster member Bridgette Griewank tells us that while they do not have the final profit tallied up, "Between Etto pasta and Hope family winery, they made it possible for this to be probably the biggest fundraiser that I know of that the boosters have ever profited off of."

"I was speechless when they offered that," added Griewank of Etto and Hope Winery's donation.

Last year, the Boosters raised $8,000 with their cornhole fundraiser. Griewank estimates they profited twice that amount last Saturday. All profits raised by the Boosters go directly towards supporting all Paso Robles High School athletic programs. The big reveal at the event this year was a custom Bearcat Polaris gifted from the boosters to the PRHS Athletic Training in thanks for taking care of all the student's health needs.

Roblan of the Year and Ravine Waterpark owner Brett Butterfield again donated his venue to the Boosters.

"He is amazing for this community," said Griewank, thanking Butterfield and his staff. "I cannot thank him enough for everything that he has done for us."

Twenty-five teams competed in the cornhole tournament last weekend, which is the maximum amount of teams they can hold due to the schedule of the day, according to Griewank. Annual cornhole prize sponsors were thanks to Cindy and Jennifer Altemeyer. Taking home the winning title were some familiar names:

Steve Smith (left) and Kirby Walton show off their trophies after teaming up to win the Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament. Contributed Photo
Chris Norte (left) and Rick Lehr won second place honors in the Bearcat Booster Cornhole Tournament. Contributed Photo
Jeff Smith (left) and Jeff Johnson won third place honors in the Bearcat Booster Cornhole Tournament. Contributed Photo

New this year was bingo, which was a bigger success than Griewank had anticipated, and the 50/50 raffle winners, Jim and Jenn Climer, donated their earnings of $1,140 back to the Boosters in another act of generosity that night.

"Overall, it was a huge success for us, and we are looking forward to next year and hopefully get a little bit bigger," said Griewank of their third-year fundraiser. "The community support that we received was incredible."

Griewank wishes to give "A special thank you to the community and all the businesses who donated to our auctions. I believe our community is special and there is not one fundraiser held here in our area that could be successful without all of their continued support."

Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament Sponsors:

Bearcat Boosters Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser Volunteers:

View on Paso Robles Press