Kernels Foundation Tourney set this weekend

The Cedar Rapids Kernels Foundation has done great work in Eastern Iowa over the years with its generous donations to the community, thanks in good measure to money raised through a baseball tournament that carries its name.

The 18th Annual Kernels Foundation Championship will be held this weekend at Prospect Meadows (Sept. 18-21) as the work continues.

The Kernels Foundation tournament is operated by Perfect Game, the primary tenant at Prospect Meadows. There are 66 teams in the 18-and-under event this year from 11 different states. A good chunk of revenue from the tournament will go to the Foundation.

Kernels CEO Doug Nelson says the Foundation Tournament has been one of their top fundraisers, along with a 50-50 raffle that’s held at Veterans Memorial Stadium during the minor league season. The money has added up over the years.

“It’s certainly over $200,000 for the Kernels Foundation,” said Nelson. “We’re very thankful to Perfect Game for everything they do to support the Foundation.”

The Kernels Foundation supports the Kernels Summer Reading Program, the Catch With A Cop Program, the Al Smith League of Dreams, the Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, the Home Run For Hunger program and other activities as well.

The Foundation mission is to ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life-enhancing lessons that come from engaging in athletics and recreation activities. The tournament is a great help.

Perfect Game is the title sponsor at Veterans Memorial Stadium in southwest Cedar Rapids, where the playing surface is called Perfect Game Field, and the company also supports good works in the community through its own programs.

There are 21 teams from Illinois in the Kernels Foundation Tournament this year. There are 10 teams from Wisconsin and Minnesota, along with eight from Iowa. There also are clubs from Indiana, California, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.

Some tournament games will be held at Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville, Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo and Waterloo Columbus High School.