Courtesy of Bloomfield College

The Bloomfield College softball team participated in its first community service project of the year when they teamed with the Duke Classic Golf Outing to help raise money for the Embrace Kids Foundation.  The Embrace Kids Foundation supports families of children with cancer and rare blood disorders. 

The softball team worked as clubhouse attendants before and after the annual golf outing and donated any tips received back to the proceeds raised by the Duke Classic.

“All of the girls were happy to help and worked enthusiastically,” said Head Softball Coach Rocco Constantino.  “They knew it was for a good cause and they jumped at the chance to help out.  I am proud of their participation and that they continue to make a positive difference in the community.”

The Duke Classic is a golf outing that is played annually in memory of the late Canio “Duke” Constantino.  The 2010 event just finished its 9^th year and has raised approximately $90,000 total for the Embrace Kids Foundation since its inception in 2002.

“We had a lot of fun and it was for a great cause,” said sophomore first baseman Krystina Poloni.  “I know we were helping sick children and any time we have a chance to do that, I know my teammates and I will always be willing to help out.”

This year’s golf outing was held at Hendricks Field in Belleville, with a dinner following at The Chandelier restaurant in Belleville.  The Duke Classic was founded in 2002 by Chairman Kenneth Constantino, Canio’s son.  A lifelong resident of Belleville, the Duke had a passion for golf and sports and enjoyed life to the fullest.  The Duke Classic is played every year in his spirit and memory under the slogan “Play Golf, Have Fun and Beat Cancer!”