Coconut Castaways bring sunshine to Maddy's Classic

There’s nothing like a little sunshine to brighten up the day, which is why the Coconut Castaways of Des Moines love to volunteer in a tropical style. The Coconut Castaways have collaborated with Children’s Cancer Connection for three years of sand and sun.


Tammy Hollander, former cruise director of Coconut Castaways said the group initially began working with Children’s Cancer Connection at Maddy Cunningham’s Classic Volleyball Tournament. “We were looking for volunteer opportunities and helping at a sand volleyball tournament sounded like a lot of fun,” she said.

Helping at the first tournament hit close to home for many of the Coconut Castaways when a fellow members child was diagnosed with cancer.

“Kory Ellerbeck was one of our original volunteers and his son Derek, then 3, was diagnosed with the exact same type of cancer as Maddy,” Hollander said. “That is one of the things that keeps us coming back and working hard for the cause.”

Last year was the third year of Maddy’s Classic and the collaborative effort with the Coconut Castaways. “We expanded into a silent auction and that, combined with the large number of teams, helped raise more money than the first two years combined. That's a great feeling,” Hollander said.
“[Children’s Cancer Connection] is a great organization that helps a lot of families when they need it most,” Hollander said. “We'll continue to do what we can to support them.”