THOMASVILLE — A group of Thomas County Central High School students have picked up the ball to help serve the local homeless.

Members of TCCHS Chick-fil-A Leader Academy are hosting the second annual TCCHS Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Dodgeball Tournament Saturday, April 20 as a fundraiser to positively impact the homeless community. The event is planned and organized by academy students.

Academy members participate in service learning projects all year from “Do Good December” to the “Big Thank You” project where they show gratitude toward deployed military. The tournament is the academy’s spring Impact Project to meet a community need. 

“This event will culminate all that the students have learned this year about teamwork, service and leadership,” TCCHS CFA Leader Academy sponsor Lt. Col. Stann McLeod said.

Last year, the inaugural dodgeball tournament raised approximately $4,000. Out of that money $3,060 went to Honor Flight Tallahassee, which funded six veterans for a one day, all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., so they could tour the various war memorials established to honor their service and sacrifice. 

This year, Thomas County Homeless Coalition will receive all proceeds to support its mission of serving the community’s homeless.

Any school sports team or club can sign up to participate. Military and first responders are returning for another year, and the academy has invited Thomas County Middle School and other community schools to take part. The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 17.

The TCCHS gym is the tournament’s setting. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission for adults is $3, $1 for students and $30 for a team of six. Children age 3 and under receive free admission.

“Our main goal for the tournament is to involve the community and to bring everyone together for a positive outcome,” publicity team captain Nate Bellamy said. “We urge everyone to bring family and friends to participate in our efforts to make a true difference while having a great time playing dodgeball.”

For more information, contact TCCHS CFA Leader Academy sponsor Lt. Col. Stann McLeod at (229) 403-9525.

*TCCHS student reporter Mya Cooney contributed to this story.

Info box:

If You Go Box

What: Thomas County Central High School Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Dodgeball Tournament

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20

Where: TCCHS gym

Admission: $3 for adults, $1 for students, $30 for a team of six, and free for children age 3 and under

Info: TCCHS CFA Leader Academy sponsor Lt. Col. Stann McLeod at (229) 403-9525