Softball players gather to aid Cranberry Township family
CRANBERRY TWP — Stormy weather pushed Friday’s kickoff party inside, but Saturday Cranberry CUP members were determined to get its opening ceremony and annual softball tournament started at Cranberry Park.
Anthony Bertolino, president of Cranberry Community Uniting People (CUP), said Friday’s golf tournament at Cranberry Highlands drew 152 golfers who managed to get their games in even though rain forced the after party inside.
The golf tournament was followed Saturday by the beginning of the two-day softball tournament that attracted 500 registered players on 34 teams in two divisions. Games were scheduled for Cranberry Graham and North Boundary parks in the township.
The golfers, softball players and Sunday’s cornhole participants were raising money to help an “inspirational family” in need.
“Our organization helps families in the Cranberry area with financial needs brought on by hardships in their lives, usually caused by illness,” Bertolino said. “We help five families, but this year’s ‘inspirational family’ is the Mike Schultz family. He was diagnosed with throat cancer.
“Typically, our weekend will bring in $100,000 through sponsorships, participation fees, raffle ticket sales and donations,” said Bertolino.
During opening ceremonies Saturday, Shultz and his family arrived on a fire truck to cheers from the crowd gathered in the stands.
Mike, his wife Becky, and their children and grandchildren thanked Cranberry CUP for its support.
“I just want to say thank you for the love, support and prayers,” said Becky Schultz. “I really appreciate it. Cranberry CUP has been a godsend to us.”
