The annual Faculty Softball Challenge has always been a night of celebration. This year, it’s also going to be about offering support. Community members who show up for the scheduled May 22 games at the USSSA Space Coast Complex will be asked to bring donations to help support the Children’s Hunger Project.

This year’s matchups feature Suntree Elementary vs. Viera Elementary at 6:15 p.m., followed by Manatee vs. Quest in the 7:15 p.m. game. The makeup date, in case of rain, is May 23.

This will be the 17th Faculty Softball Challenge, which has always enjoyed great success through the years. Last year’s games drew a record-crowd of 3,700 fans. Tickets are $3 at the school and $5 for walkup fans the night of the games. Manatee will once again be hosting a fan fest, which is scheduled for May 20.

The first pitches will be thrown out by the Teacher and Employee of the Year from each school.

Any proceeds from the event, after expenses are paid, go into a discretionary fund for each school.

Each school will be responsible for bringing a specific item to contribute to the donation drive/Fill The Truck (ex: Manatee ES – Fruit Cups, Quest ES – JuicyJuice, Suntree ES – ChefBoyARDee, Viera ES – Applesauce). Furthermore, the softball game itself will serve as a platform to raise awareness about the issue of student hunger and the importance of supporting our community’s most vulnerable members. By coming together in friendly competition, they hope to inspire others to join us in their efforts to make a difference.