Boys & Girls Club hosts dodgeball tournament

The Monroe Boys & Girls Club will host an adult dodgeball tournament this weekend to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraising initiative.

Organized by longtime Relay for Life participant Jerry "Big DogGÇ¥ Dixon and Monroe Boys & Girls Club Director Jeff Rasmussen, the tournament will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the Monroe Boys & Girls Club (261 Sky River Parkway). Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and the double-elimination tournament will start at noon. The team entry fee is $75, and each six-player team must have at least two women.-á

All proceeds will support the American Cancer Society.

Dixon, who owns Big Dog's Hot Dog Joint in Monroe, will have his "HawkdogGÇ¥ truck onsite at the event. The Seahawks-themed hot dog truck, which boasts a vibrant blue-and-green paint job, is festooned with the number 12 and phrases like "Beef ModeGÇ¥ and "U hungry bro?GÇ¥

Typically located near Sam's Cats and Dogs, Naturally, (19940 Old Owen Road), Big Dog's specializes in adventurous hot dogs topped with things like Nutella, crushed potato chips and macaroni and cheese. Traditional eaters can be accommodated as well, with toppings like sauerkraut, onions, barbecue sauce and jalapenos.-á

Dixon, who uses his Hawkdog truck to support local events, just celebrated his one-year anniversary of being in business.-á

Dixon has been involved with Relay for Life for 13 years. He chaired the Sky Valley Relay for Life committee for three years before recently deciding to pass the torch onto someone else.-á

Currently serving the cause at a broader level, he has taken on the role of area lead. This year, he will serve as the event emcee during the Sky Valley Relay for Life event at Monroe High School on May 30 and 31.

"It's like a family reunion every year,GÇ¥ Dixon said. "Relay for Life is the largest fundraising event that happens in Snohomish County every year GÇô not just ours but all of them together.GÇ¥

The Monroe Boys & Girls Club is hosting the tournament at no cost. The club will sponsor at least one team, possibly two, and has reached out to other nearby Boys & Girls Clubs encouraging them to participate.

"We've got all the dodgeballs procured and ready to go,GÇ¥ Rasmussen said.-á

Rasmussen plans to build a trophy for whichever Boys & Girls Club makes it the farthest in the tournament, and Dixon will provide trophies for first and second places.-á

"I want to give a huge thanks to the Monroe Boys & Girls Club for letting us use the space,GÇ¥ Dixon said.-á

For more information or to sign up, email Dixon at rflbigdog@gmail.com. For more information on the Monroe Boys & Girls Club, visit https://bgcsc.org/snohomish-clubs/monroe-club. -á