When the Perkins Center for the Arts started looking for a new way to raise money last summer, a lot of different ideas were thrown around. There was an idea for a 5K run and another for a golf outing, but Paul Canton was looking to do something different.
“Because we are trying to raise money for Perkins Center for the Arts, we wanted to actually have people come here,” Canton, event organizer and Perkins Center board member, said. “In one of the meetings, a wiffle ball tournament was brought up, and it fit right in with what we were trying to do.”
The inaugural Perkins Center for the Arts Wiffle Ball Cup raised around $9,000 for Perkins and was a huge success, according to Canton.
“It was awesome seeing everyone out on the lawn of Perkins and having fun,” Canton said. “We were able to raise a lot of money, and it was also important to have people at Perkins. It’s close to the middle of town, but there are still some people who don’t know we’re here.”
With the success of last year’s event, Perkins is set to host the second annual Wiffle Ball Cup on Sept. 6.
“Things are moving along very well so far with the event,” Canton said. “We’re expecting to have more teams than last year and hopefully have just as much fun.”
So far, Perkins has managed to raise $12,000, which is already more than it managed to do last year. According to Canton, it’s a sign of just how much people enjoyed the event last year.
“We’ve seen a huge amount of enthusiasm from sponsors and the teams that have been signing up,” he said. “Word has spread through the town, and people are definitely excited for what we have in store for this year.”
This year’s tournament will see an increase in teams, which will allow more players to get involved and more games to be played. Last year’s event had 18 teams, and this year, Canton is expecting there to be about 25 teams.
The games are played at the Perkins arboretum, which allows four games to be played at once.
“The games are exciting and competitive, and that’s just what we want,” Canton said. “But this year, we’re going to add a little more fun.”
One of the new activities people can expect is a home-run derby.
“We haven’t quite figured out exactly how we’re going to do it yet, but there is going to be a home-run derby this year, and we’re thinking of some more fun activities for this year, too,” Canton said.
But, while the games are fun, the real importance is the fundraising.
“All the money we raise will go toward Perkins and the operating costs of running all of our wonderful programs,” Canton said. “We really appreciate all the support we get from the community, and we’re proud of the work we’re able to do.”
For more information or to register a team, visit www.perkinscenter.org or call (856) 235–6488.
