ELKHART — Summer might be coming to an end, but things are still heating up in downtown Elkhart with the Pillars of Elkhart as they “Party with a Purpose”.

The Pillars have partnered with the Cockopalooza committee for the 13^th Annual Cockopalooza cancer-fighting events happening over the next several weeks. The group, consisting of all volunteer members, will be hosting events in downtown Elkhart to support local non-profit agency, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County focusing on juveniles battling cancer.

Saturday, September 10^th marks the 13^th annual cancer-fighting event in Elkhart named after friend Corey “Cocko” Cox who the event was named after during his battle with leukemia in 2004. The community is invited to join in this family-friendly event in downtown Central Park starting at 11:00 a.m. for a fun-filled day of games, food vendors and beer garden, music by Paul Erdman band and various kids activities such as an obstacle course, splash pad, face painting and more. General Admission is $10 with t-shirt (while supplies last).

The event features a game called “Freedomball”; a hybrid combination of several familiar recreational games that allows for great fun. Freedomball combines elements of wiffleball, kickball, and dodgeball into a sport that is easy to learn, easy to play, and exciting to watch. It is designed to encourage people of all ages, with any level of athletic experience, to participate in an event that generates money for cancer research and treatment while providing a day of healthy activity, memorable camaraderie, and spirited competition. Teams of 4 players can register in advance or at the gate at 11 a.m. for $75 per team.

The Cockopalooza Golf Scramble is set for Saturday, September 17^th  at Christiana Creek on Bristol Street in Elkhart.  Team check-in is at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast, followed by a 8:00 a.m. shot gun start. Registration is still open (4-player scramble is $300 per foursome) and pre-registration is required by Thursday, September 15^th. To sign-up, email Jason Fink at [email protected] or visit online to find the registration form.

Funds raised from Cockopalooza events support United Cancer Services of Elkhart County juvenile cancer fund.  United Cancer provides assistance to local cancer patients and their families in a way that enhances their quality of life by educating Elkhart County residents in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and funds raised at the events are earmarked in a special United Cancer Services “Cockopalooza” fund to assist Elkhart youth under the age of 18 who are going through their cancer journey.
You can help support the cause by sponsoring, donating, volunteering or participating in the Cockopalooza events!  For more information, visit the website or the Cockopalooza Facebook page.