Todd and Marni Howder [Photo: Kaila Jones]

Exchangites aimed to get cornholes and cow pies during the fourth annual Toss Out Child Abuse Charity Cornhole Tournament at Walking Tree Brewery recently hosted by the Exchange Club of Indian River.

While meteorologists predicted an overcast day with cooler temperatures, members of the Exchange Club forecast a 100 percent chance of competition and brews, as more than 30 sets of partners teamed up to toss bags, traditionally filled with dried corn kernels, into a 6-inch hole cut into a raised platform some 27 feet away.

Participants took their task seriously, arriving early to warm up their throwing arms and hoist a few, trying out a limited-edition beer created especially for the tournament.

Competitors threw plenty of shade, heckling one another in an attempt to distract their opponents, but it was all in good fun. While waiting for their slots in the double-elimination tournament, attendees filled their time perusing raffle and auction items, imbibing Walking Tree suds and keeping up their strength by chowing down on food truck offerings.

The M & M Boys – Jim McGowan and Manny Stinnett – took first place in the A Division and the

Hardcore Corn team – Mark Zorc and Jacob LaMonte – were top dogs in the B Division.

Event chair John Binkley came up with the idea several years ago, when the club was looking for another way to raise funds to support the mission of the Exchange Club of Indian River Foundation.

“People enjoy cornhole because it’s a game you can have a beer with, and you don’t have to be necessarily athletic to play,” said Binkley. “Anybody can play.”

All proceeds from the event will go toward charities focused on child abuse prevention and local youth-related projects, in an effort to ensure that every child in the community has the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe and happy.

“When I hear the stories about child abuse, I just want to help,” said Binkley, adding that their goal is to prevent the cycle of abuse. “These parents were probably victims of child abuse themselves. We need to educate them.”

The biennial Vero Beach Air Show, featuring the Blue Angels, has been postponed in response to public health concerns over COVID-19. Ticket and parking permits will be honored at the next scheduled Vero Beach Air Show.

For information, visit exchangeclubofindianriver.org.