Photo courtesy of Fotowerks.
Prizes are handed out to top teams of the cornhole tournament during the 2019 Kampfirefor the King fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 14 at the King’s Home Chelsea campus.
The 11th annual Kampfire for the King will be Nov. 14 at the King’s Home campus in Chelsea. Bass Pro Tour Angler Randy Howell will be presenting his 10th annual boat giveaway to raise money for the nonprofit organization.
King’s Home President Lew Burdette said after the first Kampfire for the King event, the organization became partners with Howell.
“We raised so much money that way, Kampfire almost became the boat giveaway,” Burdette said.
Because the event is outdoors on 100 acres, Burdette said the way the event is run won’t change much due to COVID-19.
“It’s always been where we could spread out,” he said. “We will limit the number of people [in certain activities] in order to keep everyone safe.”
The day will begin with a cornhole tournament at 8:30 a.m. for the second straight year. Burdette said he is hoping for 50 or more teams to compete this year. It is run by Central Alabama Cornhole Club, which promotes it and provides equipment. Registration is $40 per team, and top teams receive cash prizes.
Other events will begin at 10 a.m., including face painting, inflatables, a petting area, horse-back rides, hayride, food trucks and music. Howell will host the fishing rodeo prior to the boat giveaway at 2 p.m.
“Randy always invites high school bass fishing teams,” Burdette said. “The fishermen come help show kids how to fish and help them put lures on. There will also be a big fish contest taking place.”
Burdette said Howell’s reach is amazing. During the last 10 years of the boat giveaway, donations have come in from 49 states and seven countries, raising more than $1.4 million for King’s Home.
“He has a big following, and what a blessing for King’s Home for him to do this,” Burdette said. “He loves our kids. He’s not just here for one day in and out; he is involved with our kids and really cares. He interacts with them and loves being around them. He walks the walk.”
Howell and his wife, Robin, stay the week of the event at a nearby location and come each day to help with preparations. Burdette said the Howells put in a lot of their time promoting the boat giveaway. The goal is always to raise $200,000. Each $100 donation provides a chance to win.
King’s Home (formerly King’s Ranch/Hannah Home) has been around for 46 years and serves youth, women and kids fleeing domestic violence and homelessness in Alabama.
The money raised from Kampfire for the King goes into the organization’s general operating costs for its kids program. The 2020 budget for the nonprofit is $9.3 million.
Burdette said one of the needs is remodeling the homes where their clients live.
“They are constantly needing remodeling, refurnishing and new flooring, that’s a big push of ours now,” he said. “To get homes remodeled... with fresh coats of paints, updated cabinetry and bathrooms.”
King’s Home has 21 homes on six different campuses in four counties, with most of the homes being in Shelby County. The 100-acre main campus in Chelsea has seven homes: four for teenagers and three adult homes.
“This is such a great event, even in COVID times, to be outside and get to do things like this,” Burdette said.
For more information, to donate to enter the boat giveaway, or to register for the cornhole tournament, visit kingshome.com/kampfire.
