Drake House cornhole tournament returns to Naylor Hall Oct. 8

The Drake House holds its second annual cornhole tournament at Naylor Hall in Roswell on Thursday, Oct. 8, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit's programs for single mothers and children experiencing homelessness.

Miss Mary's Old Fashioned Cornhole Tournament runs from noon to 5 p.m. Check-in opens at 12:30 p.m. and play begins at 1 p.m. Teams compete in a guaranteed three-game round robin, with top finishers advancing to a single-elimination bracket, according to the event listing on Visit Roswell GA. Prizes go to first place, second place and the top fundraising team.

Registration costs $100 per competitive team and $75 per social team. Sponsorship opportunities are available through The Drake House's events page.

The tournament doubles as a networking opportunity. The Drake House describes the event as a chance to bond with coworkers, clients or friends while raising money for families working toward stability.

The tournament's name honors Roswell native Mary Drake, a founder of North Fulton Community Charities who spent years advocating for families in need. The Drake House opened in June 2006 and was named for her.

The nonprofit's very first fundraiser, held in 2004, was called "Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin'." The cornhole tournament carries that tribute forward.

The Drake House itself began in 2004 as a Leadership North Fulton class project. Community leaders, faith organizations, Fulton County, the City of Roswell and the United Way of Greater Atlanta pooled donations and volunteers to address growing homelessness among women and children in North Fulton, according to the organization's website.

The nonprofit, led by President Nesha Mason, now serves roughly 50 families and 100 children each year across two apartment buildings that provide crisis and transitional housing.

Karen Lee & Associates signed on as the tournament's entertainment sponsor, according to The Drake House's Instagram page.

Residents can register a team through The Drake House's events page or call 770-587-4712 for more information.

Upcoming Drake House events: