For years, cornhole had been part of the rhythm of summer and fall for Bryan Ciotola’s family. Friends would gather in the backyard, the boards would come out, and an ordinary evening would turn into a little friendly competition.
Then the family realized that something they already loved could become a way to bring people together for a much bigger reason.
That idea became For the Love of Linc, a community cornhole tournament inspired by Bryan’s 4-year-old son, Lincoln, who lives with Angelman syndrome. In its first year, the event raised more than $8,000 in support of the Angelman syndrome community.
For Lincoln’s family, the fundraiser was a way to turn hope into action.
Like many families, they had never heard of Angelman syndrome before Lincoln’s diagnosis in February 2024. Then in 2025, they attended their first FAST Global Science Summit & Gala and left feeling inspired by the research underway and the community working to advance it.
They returned home ready to do their part.
Turning Backyard Fun Into a Fundraiser
Cornhole was one of the first ideas that came to mind to the Ciotola family. It was familiar, fun, and easy for people of all ages to enjoy.
The tournament kept things simple: raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings, and a venue donated by Pooles Island Brewing, which also helped plan the day and created a signature drink in Lincoln's honor. Dozens of area restaurants and small businesses donated gift cards, baskets, and other prizes. A weekend stay at a condo in St. Augustine became the day’s most anticipated raffle item.
Behind the scenes, Lincoln’s grandmother and a close family friend spent weeks reaching out to businesses and gathering donations. Their efforts helped transform a family fundraiser into a true community event.
among them a weekend condo stay in St. Augustine that turned into the day's most popular raffle item. Lincoln's grandmother and a close family friend spent weeks lining up donations and partners behind the scenes.
Every donation, raffle ticket, sponsorship, and cornhole entry contributed to the event’s success. Together, those individual acts of generosity became more than $8,000. They also raised awareness, introduced new people to the Angelman syndrome community, and gave Lincoln’s family momentum to continue building on what they started.
Planning for next year is already underway.
The Next Right Step
For other families considering a fundraiser, Lincoln’s parents offer straightforward advice: choose an idea, set a date, find a venue, and take the planning one step at a time.
A fundraiser does not need to be elaborate or perfect to make an impact.
Before the event, Lincoln’s mother worried that people might not come or that the fundraiser might not raise enough. Instead, volunteers stepped forward, businesses donated, families attended, and the community rallied around Lincoln.
She also discovered that many local businesses genuinely want opportunities to give back. The hardest part is often simply asking.
“Raising a child with a rare disease often feels like walking a path few people truly understand. But on this day, we felt anything but alone,” said Maddy. “Seeing so many people show up for Lincoln, watching local businesses give so generously, and feeling the love of our family, friends, and community was incredibly emotional. It truly felt like everyone was wrapping their arms around us. That is a feeling our family will carry with us for a very long time.”
What began as a backyard tradition became a day of generosity, connection, and hope. In its very first year, For the Love of Linc showed that even a familiar game can create meaningful change when a community plays for something bigger.
Ready for your next step to start a fundraiser? Contact Krista Nanigian, FAST’s Community Fundraising Manager, for help turning your idea into action.