Central Baptist Church of Fountain City is inviting the whole community to an evening of fun, food and fellowship, and maybe a few laughs, all in support of Fountain City Ministry Center.
Mud Ball, the second fundraising mud volleyball tournament, is set for 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, on the volleyball courts across from the church. Participants will battle for best, not on sand but in mud, making for a tournament full of messy, slippery fun.
The church is looking for teams from all nine churches that partner to support the ministry center, which serves as a food pantry and clothes closet for those in need. They’re also looking for youth and community teams.
The Rev. Josh Beeler, associate pastor for youth and college at Central Baptist, said the church held a Mud Ball fundraiser three years ago, and they’re reviving it this year with a few differences.
“We’re making it more of a spectator sport,” Beeler said. “We have food trucks coming out, giant tents set up for shaded seating, bleachers, and other activities like games for kids and other things for families to participate in.”
Teams must have six to eight players, and cost of registration is $200 per team. That cost covers dinner, a T-shirt and multiple games. Registration is due by Aug. 20. Sponsors are also needed to help cover costs of tents, shirts and other items so all proceeds can go straight to the ministry center. The fundraiser has a goal of $5,000, up from the last event’s total of $800.
But the event has a dual purpose: to foster cooperation and community among Fountain City’s churches.
“Our church is really passionate about the opportunity to work with other churches in the community,” said Beeler. “We worship in different spaces, but we worship the same God and are seeking to be the same disciples. This is an opportunity to care for people in a challenging time of life and meet a common need.”
Besides spectators, teams and sponsors, Beeler said volunteers are needed to help set up the mud court the Friday and Saturday before the event.
“I’ll be out there with a shovel,” he said. “We line the space with haybales and tarps, then add topsoil and water.”
He also suggested that spectators show up between 4-7 p.m. for the best viewing time.
“We just had a really good time doing it last time. It’s been three years, and it was something we enjoyed so we wanted to do it again,” he said.
For information, email Beeler at jbeeler@cbcfc.org, or download the forms linked below.