When the Green Knights baseball team defeated Holy Spirit High School on Sunday, April 22, they did more than just add another W to their record.
The game was part of the annual Autism Awareness Challenge. The annual showcase features 40 teams from around the state including CBA, Delbarton, Pope John, St. Joseph Metuchen and St. Peter's Prep. They all came together for the weekend in North Brunswick to raise awareness about autism.
In addition, the sponsoring organization - Teamwork Unlimited - hosted a fundraiser to benefit a local family.
For every home run hit during the weekend, Teamwork Unlimited made a donation to the Hildebrand family of Colonia, NJ. Their daughter, Julie, is battling pediatric brain cancer.
SJR contributed to the cause four times with seniors Matt Alaimo and Raul Ortega each swatting a pair of homers.
Before the Green Knights game against Holy Spirit, Michael Toepert, brother of Joe '15, who is autistic, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
When all was said and done, SJR took home a 19-7 victory with Alaimo and Ortega signing the Homers for Hildebrand banner in support of Team Jules.