Gene Keohane, team captain of Team Eugene from One Walk, Liberty State Park, hosts an annual Corn Hole Tournament. This team fundraising event, held on his neighborhood block in Bayonne, NJ, raises more than $10,000 for Breakthrough T1D. We sat down with Gene to chat about his connection to type 1 diabetes (T1D), his Corn Hole tournament and steps for teams looking to create their own tournament.

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Dan Denkovic: How did you get involved with Breakthrough T1D?

Gene Keohane: We got involved with Breakthrough T1D when Eugene was diagnosed with T1D at age 5. He was diagnosed in August, so we walked that October in 2005. Ironically, he and I walked a couple years earlier when he was just three and diabetes-free. My dad was a type 1 diabetic, so I guess I always had one ear open regarding diabetes fundraisers.

Dan: How long have you been doing the Cornhole Cup, and how did it start?

Gene: This year was our 12th annual Honkytonk Cornhole Cup. Family friends with Ohio ties introduced the game of corn hole to us out East, and it took hold. So much so that one friend began to make boards. Naturally, our group turned the idea of playing a “tournament” into a big block party idea. When one friend mentioned, “Hey, how about we make people register and raise money for Geno’s diabetes walk?” Well, then we all kind of rallied with a little more purpose in our step; we formed a committee to delegate duties.

The group used its diverse connections in town to ask for help and the community really responded.

“Let’s close the block off and conduct it in the street (the first two years were in backyards).” We used our police connection to get the road closed off with wooden horses by registering it as a block party.

“Let’s ask a few food vendors to donate some food for the event.” We hit a home run when our first- choice revealed he had type 2 and has been “all in” ever since.

“Let’s ask a few of our favorite watering holes if they would be willing to donate a keg of beer for the cause.”

“Let’s see what some of our employers/organizations would be willing to donate for the event.” Snapple donated water and iced tea; banks and charities donated checks; Mr. Softee came by and donated back some of the proceeds; some donated tickets to events, autographed memorabilia, etc.

“Let’s see if DJ Kurt can come by.” He has been donating his all-day music service ever since.

Those first few years, one buddy made a bunch of boards (it had not caught on THAT much yet) and then auctioned them off as the desire to play spread.

Dan: You mentioned that the food and drinks are all donated. How did you make those connections with the businesses who donate to the event? 

Gene: Ironically, the local businesses offered more direct assistance — food and drink — than the bigger corporations that we reached out to. We knew them better, and they knew us.

Dan: What is something you wish you knew when you first started the Corn Hole Cup that you know now? Do you have any goals to make the event even bigger?

Gene: I wish I had known how eager to help the community was; I would not have worried so much in the early years. I don’t know how much bigger we can get. We always said that the maximum number of teams should be around 64 — bracket-wise, food/drink-wise — it just seemed to make the most sense without being too taxing to accommodate. On the real hot days, we go through a ton of water. On the rainy days, it is very stressful. We have been very fortunate that the rain has not been too frequent.

Dan: What advice would you give to someone who is looking to start a team fundraising event for the first time?

Gene: For those thinking of trying to start an event, DO IT! It won’t ever be perfect, but every little bit helps. And the NEXT time will be better — and maybe a little easier — so long as you brainstorm with dedicated, selfless people well before — and then after — the event. Remember: if the WHY is important enough, you will find the HOW.

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You can support Team Eugene and Breakthrough T1D One Walk here. To brainstorm your own team fundraising event, reach out to Dan Denkovic or Stacy DiArchangel.