Fraternity hosts Make-A-Wish fundraiser, breaks World Record

By Ryan, March 29, 2016

By Alexis Ancel // News Editor

Though cornhole is typically thought of as a casual game played at barbecues in the summer, High Point University’s Beta Theta Pi turned this backyard game into a massive competition in order to benefit children with terminal illnesses in North Carolina.
The tournament was held in Slane Student center on March 19. The event began at 3 p.m. with 62 teams participating. Each team paid $30 to enter with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina.
The primary goal of the tournament was to raise as much money as possible to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant a wish for a child. The tournament combined with additional donations from various faculty members and parents raised upwards of $1,500.
“All of the proceeds of this tournament will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has always been close to heart for brothers and myself,” Beta Theta Pi brother Alex Rugato said. “Having had people close to me who suffered from cancer or had family members go through cancer, I know how hard it can be and it’s just awesome to know that we can help make a child’s day who is dealing with a horrible disease.”
In addition to raising money, this event was also an opportunity to break a world record. The main tournament lasted roughly four hours, but one separate game of cornhole lasted far longer. Located on the first floor of Wanek Center, four brothers attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing cornhole. The record attempt began at 4:30 p.m. on March 18 and finished the following day at around 7:30 p.m. The marathon totaled 26 hours, 16 minutes and 28 seconds. The record was previously set at 26 hours, 12 minutes and 44 seconds.
After receiving approval from Guiness World Records to attempt the record, the team filmed the entire game and submitted it for inclusion in the next Guiness Book of World Records.
“We are very proud to represent Beta Theta Pi,” said Carter Herring, one of the four brothers who broke the world record.“We’re proud to be breaking the record and making money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.”
The idea behind this world record attempt came about as a way to help draw more attention to the fraternity’s philanthropy and the work they are doing for children in need.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to get the word out about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and about the things that Beta is trying to do here at High Point,” said Nick Bellamy, Beta Theta Pi brother.
The event had great support from HPU. Various organizations and teams participated in the tournament.
“I think it’s cool that they chose this because no one else on campus does a cornhole tournament,” said Sam Entwistle, tournament participant. “On top of that, they picked a good cause- there is nothing like making the wish of a child.”