Mitchell Tenpenny Preps For Second Annual Cornhole Tournament
Mitchell & his mother, Debbie Tenpenny, at 2022’s Cornhole Tournament. Photo: Brocoff Photography
On Tuesday (Oct. 10), Mitchell Tenpenny will hold his second annual Cornhole Tournament in the parking lot of Sony Music Publishing on Music Row from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
While the tournament is sure to be a blast—with artists, songwriters and business folk tossing bags and enjoying fellowship—Tenpenny’s new tradition is very important to him, as it benefits his 10Penny Fund.
2022’s Cornhole Tournament
Tenpenny started the fund in 2018 out of his own personal experience with cancer. He lost his father to the disease in 2014, and his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last August.
“I got the call on my birthday that my mom is technically cancer-free right now,” Tenpenny told MusicRow. “My aunt is currently going through it as well. It’s been a massive part of my life.”
With help from the fund, Tenpenny seeks to help provide inspirational support to cancer patients and their families beyond traditional medical treatment. The 10Penny Fund invests in sustainable and meaningful programs that motivate patients, encourage healing and build a community of support
“I wanted to do something on the mental side of cancer,” he says. “We’ve got great doctors and great treatments all over the place, and money goes to that all the time, but a lot of people don’t understand the stress level on the mental side of that battle.
“I saw that with my father and my mother. When you have a team around you that can constantly inspire you and get your mind right, [there are] more success stories. That’s what we focus on.”
Tenpenny supports the fund year-round by bringing awareness to the fight against cancer, as well as hosting fundraisers, whether that be proceeds from a live concert, sporting event, merchandise sales and more.
On Monday (Oct. 9), Tenpenny will be at the David Yurman store in The Mall at Green Hills to help support the fund. If customers buy $10,000 in jewelry, they will receive a signed guitar, and if they spend $2,000, they will get a signed Tenpenny vinyl album. 10 percent of sales made Monday will go to the 10Penny Fund. Customers can also use code “10P” on Monday when shopping online at David Yurman.
Last year, Tenpenny held his inaugural Cornhole Tournament and raised over $50,000. Chris Young generously matched it, which put the total over $100,000.
This year, Tenpenny is excited to bring the event back for his friends on Music Row.
“Everyone loves cornhole, so it’s a fun time,” he shares. “Everyone writes there and works in that area, so it’s cool and easy to get people involved. When your work day is over, walk on over, throw some cornhole and raise some money for a good cause.”
The guest list for Tuesday’s tournament includes Nate Smith, Ashley Cooke, Michael Ray, Meghan Patrick and more.
“We’ve got amazing donors, tons of beverages and food. We’ve got drinks—it is Music Row after all,” he says. “All around, we’re going to enjoy ourselves and raise some money.”
To sign up to play, click here. $10 spectator tickets for entry to Tenpenny’s cornhole tournament can be purchased day-of or also at the link. Food and beverages will be free with entry. To donate, visit 10pennyfund.org.
