When Teressa Phillips of Payson decided to do an Avon Breast Cancer walk nine years ago, she had no idea the impact her humble efforts would one day have on her community. Teressa Philips’ friends Amy and Rich Phillips decided to help raise money for her breast cancer walk by holding a cornhole tournament in their own backyard. The event raised the $1,800 needed, and prompted them to continue their efforts to help others. The event and organization came to be known as Cornhole for a Cause.
Over the past nine years, Cornhole for a Cause has raised $79,525 for cancer patients—many of whom reside locally in south Utah County communities. The organizers of the event include Teressa and Jim Phillips, Amy and Rich Gardner, Trina Bishop, and Brooke Merriman.
The group of friends and family members work hard all year long to prepare for their annual cornhole tournament, which is now held the third weekend of each August at Shane and Jill Ahlin’s house in Santaquin. Last year, 42 teams participated in the tournament, which costs $20 per player. All proceeds go to the annual cancer recipient(s) selected by the event organizers.
In addition to raising money through tournament fees, Cornhole for a Cause also raises money through the sale of T-shirts and raffle tickets. The company that makes the shirts is called Talking Too Loud Apparel, and is owned by Amy and Brooke. Each year, the shirts come in different colors representing the type of cancer the recipient for that year has. Cornhole competitors and event attendees can purchase shirts in advance or at the event.
Raffle ticket prices range from $1 for the children’s raffle, to $10 for the adult raffle.The prizes, that include custom cornhole boards and other items, are all donated by individuals and businesses.
Jim explained that 100% of the proceeds raised go to cancer patients to cover needs, whether it’s treatments, groceries or living expenses.
“Some people have bills to pay,” Amy added. “Some people don’t know what to do with the money. We’re always like, ‘Don’t worry. It’s not for us to judge. You take that money and do whatever you want to do.’”
“You have people that are still trying to work, yet, they’re so sick that they’re having a hard time going to work, so they just have all these bills and stuff,” Trina further explained. “It’s just sad to think they’re worried about that while they’re sick and trying to get better.”
Brooke said her motivation comes from “seeing the changes in the people.” She explained that she did it just for fun at first, but when a close friend of hers got cancer, things became much more personal.
“Seeing (my friend) go through what he had to, and the bills that would just sit there and pile up … and he can’t afford to pay them … that’s what makes me keep doing it,” Brooke said.
For Teressa, the organization’s mission is a bit more personal. Her own brother and sister were the recipients of one of the fundraisers. Her sister has since passed on, but her brother is still fighting.
“I had no idea that a breast cancer walk would touch so close to my family,” Teresa said. “When you have somebody so close to you and you see what they go through, you just want to help because it’s a horrible thing. (Cornhole for a Cause) has brought so many people together. I can’t express how much it means to me.”
This year, Cornhole for a Cause will hold its tournament on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 13408 South 4800 W. Businesses or individuals who would like to donate raffle items, money or time are encouraged to reach out to the organization through its Facebook page, Cornhole For A Cause. The organization goes to great efforts to ensure all donating businesses are recognized for their efforts through live microphone callouts at the event, on T-shirts, or on a large banner made and donated by Truck Décor for the event each year.
