Odd Fellows play cornhole for a cause

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 279 in Rockville Centre hosted its fourth annual cornhole tournament on Saturday at Fireman’s Field, adjacent to South Side High School.

The event always draws a crowd and this year was no exception as people throughout the community gathered to watch or participate in the fun. This year, 32 teams came to compete in the double-elimination tournament for the chance to take home prizes and help raise money for three local organizations — the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, the RVC Community Fund and SIBSPlace.

Tom McNally, a dedicated member of the Odd Fellows, said that at almost 100 years strong its mission is to support local charities and organizations.

“We’re a lot like the Masons,” McNally explained. “Everything we do is for charity… Were not ethnic or religious. Anyone can join as long as they are willing to do charity work.”

Every year, the Odd Fellows host two major fundraiser events, including the cornhole tournament and an annual St. Patrick’s Day party. Both are crucial for their fundraising endeavors.

The idea for the tournament started a few years back, as members of the Odd Fellows pondered what more they could do beyond their St. Patrick’s Day celebration that can help benefit the community.

“We talked about different ideas,” McNally recalled.

“We wanted to do some type of tournament, and cornhole was a popular thing at the time.”

Teams paid $125 each to participate, and spectators chipped in $40 for the chance to watch the fun unfold. All of the money raised during the event, minus expenses, is donated to charity.

The event also attracts several sponsors. This year there were around 25 - 30 different establishments including local brewing companies, bars and restaurants willing to donate $200 or $300 for the cause.

McNally said that the Odd Fellows would try and pick different charities for each event, except St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, which they give to regularly. The Odd Fellows also have a charity committee that will provide $300 to anyone in immediate need.

Most recently, the Odd Fellows gave to Daijonee Vanderveer, a Rockville Centre woman who tragically lost both her legs after a car was hit by a drunk driver on the Sagtikos State Parkway in November 2022.

Having raised nearly $7,000 during its St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, McNally said he anticipates they will raise that much or more during the tournament.

The family-friendly competition promised to be an enjoyable afternoon. Hot dogs sizzled on the grill as onlookers cheered on their friends and neighbors.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a non-political, non-sectarian international fraternal order dedicated to charity and reciprocity. There are 600,000 members and 10,000 lodges spread out across 26 countries around the globe.

In Rockville Centre, there are about 40 to 50 active members, which include people from Oceanside and Valley Stream. The organization is always looking for new members and encourages anyone who is interested in participating to reach out. For more information email IOOFRVC279@gmail.com.