IF YOU GO
What: Brown Family Farm Market inaugural Mud Volleyball Tournament. All entry fees go to the VA Medical Center, which will distribute the money to homeless veterans.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: 11620 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton
Entry fee: $75 per team
More info: johnbrownfarms@hotmail.com
A local business owner is hoping that area residents are willing to get down and dirty to help local homeless military veterans.
Joyce Brown, co-owner of Brown’s Deli & Beverage, is organizing an inaugural mud volleyball tournament at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Brown Family Farm Market at 11620 Hamilton Cleves Road.
Participants may sign up a team for a chance in the championship event, and all entry fees will go to the VA Medical Center, which will distribute the money to homeless veterans.
Brown said the idea for the event came to her this spring after she hired two military veterans, Anthony Dennarro, who served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years, and Shannon Moore, who served in the Army for seven years.
“It just evolved,” she said. “That’s the best way I can put. It’s important to support our troops, our servicemen who have sacrificed so much. They’ve given and given and we like to give back.”
Dennarro and Moore, who needed the farm work to qualify for a federal grant, are using the money to pay their tuition at Ohio Medical Career College.
“This event is a door opening for a lot more things,” Dennarro said. “We have a lot of veterans who are coming out who need it, so they can better themselves to get a better way of life.”
Those who attend Saturday’s event may donate toiletries, clothing, baby care items, household items or monetary donations for the homeless veterans.
Burgers, brats, beverages and an old-fashioned corn roast are being provided by Brown’s Deli & Beverage throughout the day. Family-friendly offerings include childrens games, hayrides, a bake sale, cornhole tournament, big-card poker, split-the-pot raffle and a childrens obstacle course in the mud.
Representatives from local police and fire departments will be on hand, as well as groups like the Disabled American Veterans, Volunteers of America, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Red Cross, Brown said.
Entry fee is $75 per team. For more information, including event sponsorship, email johnbrownfarms@hotmail.com.
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