Cranberry CUP set to deliver weekend filled with play and purpose
Each August, Cranberry Township becomes a hub of community spirit and charitable service during Cranberry CUP Weekend.
From Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, several hundred residents will gather for a full slate of activities, including the annual Golf Classic and Kickoff Party at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, an official opening ceremony at the township’s park and the two‑day Cathy Cortazzo Softball Tournament that anchors the weekend.
“The Cranberry CUP is a year-round project,” said president Anthony Bertolino, who has spearheaded the event for 21 out of its 26 years.
Beyond rivalry on the course and diamond, the celebration serves as a force for good, with all proceeds supporting local families in crisis, scholarships and other various charitable initiatives that recently have included the construction of the Kids Castle Playground at the township’s community park.
One “inspirational family” is chosen to receive assistance throughout the year, including on weekend filled with community fundraising activities.
This year’s distinguished honorees are Janette and Jade Sutphin, a mother-daughter combination who have been dealing with the effects of 46-year-old Janette’s inoperable Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis, which has left her mostly unable to leave her bed.
“It’s a great feeling to help out people that are in need and also bring our community together to experience something like this,” Bertolino said. “I know many families kind of look forward to this weekend and plan their vacation around it so that they’re able to participate. It’s a rewarding experience to see neighbors, families and the community come together for some events.”
Since 2000, the initiative has raised more than $2.5 million for those in need.
Other activities will include a cornhole tournament on Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. and a live concert featuring musical group S’Wearing Hats beginning at 5 p.m., both scheduled for different areas of the community park.
Meanwhile, competition between 40 softball teams will begin on Saturday at 8 a.m. and run through Sunday at 6 p.m., with games being played at the community park, Graham Park and Vets Fields.
The weekend will wrap up with an annual picnic on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Cranberry Community Park Lions Shelter. That is free and open to the public.
