CRANBERRY TWP — Perfect weather was the ticket all weekend as the Cranberry CUP, Community Uniting People, celebrated its 11th season.

Beginning a "New Decade of Giving" the event raised more than $130,000 to help families in need.

The Cranberry CUP featured a community softball tournament Saturday and Sunday and the annual Golf Classic and the Kick-off Party on Friday.

At the opening ceremonies Saturday morning the Surman family, who were this year's Inspirational Family, and Megan O'Shea-Durst's family, said they were overwhelmed with the caring from the community

Two-year-old Camryn Surman suffered a severe brain injury when the lid of a toy chest fell on her, cutting off her oxygen. She now requires 24-hour medical care.

"Hopefully they, just like the past Inspirational Families, will have been lifted up from this weekend to help them cope with their major life changes," CUP President Cathy Cortazzo said.

Megan O'Shea-Durst died unexpectedly this year and a scholarship fund was set up by the Cranberry CUP in her honor.

Carol O'Shea, Megan's mother, and Megan's husband, Matt, attended the opening ceremonies. Carol O'Shea said she thanks God every day for living in such a caring community. She said the families' lives were shattered with her daughter's sudden death in January.

The kind words and efforts from friends and the community are helping the family get through the suffering process, she said.

Matt Durst said he kissed his wife of 4½ years good night and told her he loved her. She died the next day. The family learned later that a virus attacked her heart.

He said his family is thankful to the Cranberry CUP for setting up a scholarship fund in his wife's memory.

John Skorupan, chairman of the township supervisors, said Saturday morning he was never more proud to represent the township. He said the Cranberry CUP helps revive his energy for life.

Through the two days of softball games, two new champions were crowned.

In the Neighborhood Division, Hunter's Creek South won by defeating Timberline.

Those two teams played in the last game of the winner's bracket and Timberline had to play another game against Winchester Farms to get back into the championship game.

Hunter's Creek South won for the first time in 11 tries.

"There is no neighborhood more deserving. Hunter's Creek only has 100 homes, and we have two teams, north and south. We have had the most volunteers and board members come out of Hunter's Creek," said Cortazzo, who lives in housing plan.

"They are very passionate about what the CUP is all about, making a difference," she said.

In the Open Division, Seven Fields was in the winner's bracket. Quaker Steak and Lube had lost to them and had to play another game with Edible Arrangements to get back into the championship game.

In the end, Seven Field's prevailed.

"I know that there were many scraped knees, a few pulled ham strings, a couple of bruises to the head, but nobody was seriously hurt, thank God," Cortazzo said.

"The really funny thing that I chuckle about year after year is that I sent out a few reminders to everybody on Friday. There were so many that came back with an auto response, "I will be out of the office until Tuesday, Aug. 10.

"So many took Monday off to recover from playing ball hard and partying hard."

In its 11 years, the event has raised more than $830,000.

It is organized by the Cortazzo and board members Anthony Bertolino, Robin Shaffer, Nancy Hans, Chris Corcoran, Bob Gillenberger, Kevin Regan, John Szurley, and Sheila Mills. Darlene Howley organized all of the umpires for the games.