The Pritchard family, David, Julie, Ashley and Justin, have been chosen as the 2019 Cranberry Community Uniting People (CUP) Inspirational Family.

CRANBERRY TWP — The annual Cranberry Community Uniting People weekend typically aims to raise money for an inspirational family experiencing a hardship.

This year, the weekend will take on the added mission of finding a kidney donor for a member of that family.

The Cranberry CUP was founded in 2000 as a way to get neighborhood homeowners associations involved in a softball competition to raise money for charity. Since then, more than $1.5 million has been raised, with a golf outing and other events added.

This year, the event will benefit David Pritchard and his family. Pritchard received a kidney transplant in 2006, and thereafter battled infections as well as tongue, tonsil and thyroid cancer. In May 2018, he was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure, and had to begin dialysis.

Since then, the family — including his wife, Julie; daughter, Ashley; and son, Justin — has searched for a donor. A photo of David and Ashley Pritchard seeking a donor while holding a sign at a Pittsburgh Penguins game went viral last winter, although a donor is still needed.

The Pritchards have been helped by the Cranberry CUP before, being selected as an inspirational family a few years ago. Funds went toward purchasing a reliable vehicle to transport Pritchard to and from visits to the doctor.

This year, according to Cranberry CUP President Anthony Bertolini, there is an increased focus on spreading the word about Pritchard's need for a donor.

“In everything we're doing, we're trying to make connections for that,” he said.

The weekend's events kick off at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 2 with the Summer Golf Classic at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. Bertolini said there are still openings for teams.

The day continues at the golf course with the kickoff party, which begins at 6 p.m. The ticketed event offers food from various township restaurants, a cash bar and live music. Auctions for gift baskets and other items will also be held.

The softball tournament begins with the first pitch at 8 a.m. Aug. 3. The highlight of the weekend, according to Bertolini, is the opening ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the township's Community Park near Route 19. Players and spectators gather to welcome the inspirational family, who are given a grand entrance.

“It's a big deal,” Bertolini said.

Softball games continue through Sunday, with neighborhood teams competing. Bertolini said this year more teams have signed up to take part than in previous years.

For more information on Cranberry CUP weekend, to purchase tickets or register for the golf tournament, visit cranberrycup.org. To find out more about becoming an organ donor, visit https://livingdonorreg.upmc.com.