By Hannah Caver, For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — The Blake Abercrombie (BA) Foundation Kick-off and Cornhole Tournament took place on Sunday, September 26, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ferus Artisan Ales in Trussville to bring awareness to Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT).
Blake Abercrombie stated that Pinchgut Pies would donate “10 percent of all the proceeds [sold during the event], and Ferus said they were going to give the BA Foundation a donation.”
Teams had the opportunity to signup before the event but were allowed to register the day of by paying a $20 entry fee.
“We had, I think, 29 teams signup plus another maybe 100 individuals show up,” Blake said. “So, it’s just incredible.”
Five sets of cornhole boards lined Ferus’ outdoor entertainment area. Each team took its turn in the single-elimination tournament with hopes of becoming the first-ever BA Foundation Cornhole Tournament Champions.
Blake Abercrombie explained that first, second, and third-place winners would receive an award.
“We’re paying out first, second, and third place,” Blake said. “First gets 70 percent of the entry fee, 2nd place gets 20 percent, and 3rd place gets 10 percent.”
Unfortunately for Blake Abercrombie, he lost in the first round but jokingly stated it was his partner’s fault.
“I lost in the first round; we were up, seven to nothing, and then choked,” Blake said. “I’m blaming it all on Jake.”
Blake’s wife, Amanda Abercrombie, also took part in the festivities, but like Blake, did not make it out of the first round.
“I was really nervous starting, but I felt like my team held our own, and we did really good,” Amanda said. “We did lose, but we had fun, and it was nice to get out there and play and enjoy the day.”
The Abercrombie Army made their appearance strong with Blake’s parents, Debbie and Dennis Abercrombie, proudly wearing a BA Foundation t-shirt to support and raise awareness for DSRCT. Dennis Abercrombie also participated in the tournament.
“I got whooped, me and partner got whooped, but it’s alright, it’s all fun,” Dennis said.
Debbie Abercrombie stated her amazement at all the hard work Blake and Amanda put into spreading awareness for DSRCT. She stated they take one day at a time and place all their faith in God to guide them where they need to go.
“Blake’s all about bringing more awareness to this cancer,” Debbie said. “Today is good; we just keep relying on our faith.”
Amanda Abercrombie, surrounded by the Abercrombie Army, was in awe of how many people supported Blake and their family.
“It’s very humbling, and it’s very great to see everybody out here, supporting blake, supporting the foundation, supporting our family because we don’t realize how big of an army we’ve got until we get everybody together,” Amanda said. “Having this be our first event and the kickoff to everything just gives us a real positive outlook for the future, like future fundraising opportunities and events, so it’s very exciting.”
The cornhole tournament’s first-place winners were Marty Thompson and Johnny Thomas, second place was Jordan Abercrombie and Stephen Colley, and third place was Jeremy Auvil and Jacob Shelton.
The BA Foundations plans to host their Second Annual Battle Against DSRCT Golf Tournament on November 1, 2021, and are also hoping to have another event in the Spring of 2022.
Blake Abercrombie explained that while the golf tournament is full of teams, people still have the opportunity to sponsor a hole by donating $250 to the BA Foundation.
If anyone wants to donate to the BA Foundation, more information can be found on BAfoundation.net.