CRANBERRY TWP — The annual Cranberry CUP is more than six months away but organizers are starting to solicit applications for this year’s inspirational family or person.

The CUP, which stands for Community Uniting People, started in 2000 as a fundraiser for a person or family with “extreme medical or financial difficulties,” according to founder and President Cathy Cortazzo.

The only stipulation is that the person or family must live in the Seneca Valley School District, although that doesn’t mean they have to have a student in school.

But Cortazzo said while the inspirational family or person benefits greatly from the Cranberry CUP, not all the money raised goes to that family or person.

Rather, it offers assistance throughout the year to families or people in need and funds an annual scholarship.

“We give based on what their needs are,” Cortazzo said in regards to the inspirational family or person. “We do have many other people we help throughout the year. It’s a year-round endeavor.”

She estimated the Cranberry CUP has raised more than $1.5 million since its inception,

Anyone interested in information can visit the organization’s website, www.cranberrycup.org.

Those interested in forming a softball team for the annual softball tournament also can submit an application on the website.

But it is more than an athletic event. Preliminary festivities include a kickoff party at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. The CUP traditionally kicks off at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of August with the arrival of the inspirational person or family.

Other activities include a golf tournament, a Home Run Derby and a 5K race.

Cortazzo said, “There are a lot of national organizations out there, but we’re a local nonprofit that helps people who live right here in our community, and we contribute to other projects within the community.”

Cortazzo said anyone seeking more information also can e-mail her at cortazzo@zoominternet.net.

This year’s Cranberry CUP will be Aug. 7, 8 and 9 in Community Park.