By Paige Brazil
For the past eight years, Hospice Brazos Valley has been putting the fun in fundraiser. This year will mark the 9th Annual Hog Splash Mud Volleyball Tournament hosted by Hospice Brazos Valley and Slovacek’s Sausages on Aug. 24. Local businesses, families, student organizations, and friends pair a competitive spirit with charitable giving, playing a series of 15-minute volleyball games. However, instead of a traditional volleyball court, teams play in a giant mud pit.
The tournament is recreational and organized in a round-robin, rally scoring pool play, followed by a single-elimination championship round and consolation bracket. During pool play, six teams play each other on one net for a total of nine matches. The winner for each net in round robin is determined by the winner of the most matches in the pool, the winner of head-to-head matches, and net points for all matches played. The winner at each net advances to the championship bracket. The remainder of the bracket is determined by the most points and margins of victory and then one wild card position. The consolation bracket is open to any teams who wish to keep playing at the conclusion of the round robin portion.
“This is really a fun, friendly event for a good cause,” says Dianne Lero, funds development supervisor for Hospice Brazos Valley. “It is a way for family, friends, and businesses to come together to support the community. We need the support of the community to make it another success.”
All of the proceeds raised by the event go directly to Hospice Brazos Valley, which is the only nonprofit hospice service in Brazos Valley, says Lero. “Hospice Brazos Valley is an award-winning organization that has assisted patients, provided grief counseling, and has supported families for over 30 years,” says Lero. The goal of Hospice Brazos Valley is to provide comprehensive, end-of-life care when curative treatment is no longer a possibility or a desire, according to their website.
“We really do not want our patients and their families to have to worry about expenses and finances,” says Lero. “We never bill patients for any services and that is why we do the fundraiser — to take care of these bills for these patients.”
It costs $500 to register a team for the volleyball tournament. Although only six players are allowed on the court, it is recommended to have eight to 10 players on a team to rotate so nobody gets too tired, says Lero. Additionally, each team member must be at least 16 years of age to participate, and teams must have at least one female.
“We will also have a mud pit for kids,” says Lero. “If you are not playing on a team, spectators are more than welcome, free of charge.”
This year, food vendors at the event include Slovacek’s Sausages, 1775 Texas Pit BBQ, JLM Chicken and Waffles, and Kona Ice. Beverages will also be available for purchase.
“Come out, bring your lawn chair, enjoy the day, and just have a good time,” says Lero. “This is a way that Hospice Brazos Valley gives back to the community for their continuous support throughout the years.”
The 9th Annual Hog Splash Mud Volleyball Tournament is held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Slovacek’s Sausage in Snook. Teams check in at 9am and the tournament lasts from 10am to 2pm.
For more information about the event or to register a team, visit www.hospicebrazosvalley.org/hogsplash.
