LOWELL–On Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the US Bunting & Cricket Club located at 449 Boylston St in Lowell, the Hidden Battles Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual Cornhole Prevention Tournament and Family Day. This event is a free day where attractions include Touch-A-Truck, K9 demonstrations, raffles, bounce houses and more, while raising awareness for first responders, nurses and military/veteran suicide and PTSD.
The featured event is the cornhole tournament, which attracts 50 teams of hurlers from across the region, entry cost is $60 per team. The Pitch for Prevention attracted over six hundred visitors last year, now for the second time at the Bunting Club after moving from its original venue, the Billerica Elks Club, due to its steady growth in attendance.
More than a competition and family fun day, the popular event is a fundraising outing for a worthy cause that allows visitors to interact with military, police, fire and medical personnel. A mid-afternoon break highlights, in the middle of the field, a police dog demonstration. Even the food is donated by local vendors and cooked by volunteers. “This is a community, helping neighbors,” Hurst said.
The event raised more than $10,000 for the Hidden Battle Foundation, which also hosts a charity golf tournament in October. “The foundation uses the money to support activities and programs for at-risk people and their families,” according to marketing director Chris Hurst. “Through fundraising and some grants, we’ve been able to provide recreational activities and educational opportunities to more than 1,000 families since we started seven years ago.”
The nonprofit organization operates under the 501(c)(3) umbrella of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and is supported by high-profile sponsors Jean D’Arc Credit Union, DCU, Roads Construction Company and private benefactors like Chelmsford resident Ellen Andre. .
The Hidden Battles Foundation has provided support and awareness to veterans of all civilian and military service who suffer from PTSD and suicidal thoughts. Check out their website at HiddenBattlesFoundation.org or Facebook page at facebook.com/hiddenbattlesfoundation.
