Derby coach Joe DiMartino (center) is flanked by assistant coaches (left to right) Jen Moffat and Jamie Bartone.
The festivities start at 1 p.m. at Ryan Field in Derby.
The DiMarino family, in a 2010 photo. The Derby softball captains.
Derby softball coach Joe DiMartino’s wife, Lori, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
It wasn’t an easy year for the family, said DiMartino, who has worked at Griffin Hospital and the city’s Department of Public Works for more than 20 years.
The DiMartinos have four daughters (Karissa, Jordyn, Lacey, and Kaelyn) ranging in age from 21 to five.
“It was a long, long year,” DiMartino said.
Lori went for treatment — which included surgeries and chemotherapy — at the Hewitt Center. She’s doing better now, DiMartino said.
In fact, she’ll be there Saturday to throw out the first pitch.
“She battled the disease for the past year. It has been very difficult, unlike anything we’ve had to go through. With this game, we wanted to do something good. Last year, myself and assistant coach Jen Moffat decided to raise money through softball.”
DiMartino said last year’s game — which raised about $1,300 — made him realize how strong the bond is between players and coaches.
“The team and I all went through it together, in a way, with my wife,” he said. “I missed practices here and there. They understood. They knew what was going on and they wanted to do something that could make a difference.”
DiMartino is hoping for a huge turnout this year — especially since the game is on a Saturday.
There will be food, pony rides and a ton of prizes to raffle (see list below).
“People and businesses have been incredible in their support of this fundraiser,” DiMartino said.
Derby softball captains Abbey Monaco, Alyssa Mandolfo, Yahidy Ramirez and Stephanie Dytko said Saturday’s game will be competitive.
“For this game, I think the emotions are a bit higher,” DiMartino said.
“Doing this just makes us feel really good,” Abbey said. “It’s just about getting a win, but it’s something that can try to help people who are suffering. That’s something more than winning a game.”
Second Annual Breast Cancer Benefit Softball Game:
Derby v Ansonia
Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m.
Ryan Field in Derby
Some of the Raffle Prizes:
$5 Per Ticket
Swiss Army Ladies Watch (valued at $395)
Two hour “pony party” with JC’s Pony Parties, LLC (valued at $225)
$1 Per Ticket
Rose Gold Butterfly Hoop Earrings
NY Giants Super Bowl Poster autographed by Eli Manning
NY Jets Santonio Holmes autographed lithograph poster
2011 ASA Woman’s National Softball Team autographed team photo
5×7 Jennie Finch autographed picture
One hour massage with Jennifer Platt, LMT in West Haven
$25 gift certificate to Poppy’s Deli in West Haven
$25 gift certificate to Stop & Shop
$25 gift card to Verace Italian restaurant in Shelton
$25 gift card to Adam’s Supermarket
Free cut and color at P.J. & Co. Salon in Shelton
$25 gift card to Archie Moore’s
$25 gift card available to use at Red Lobster, Longhorn’s, Olive Garden
$25 gift card to Porky’s Cafe in Shelton
$25 gift card to the Valley Diner
$50 gift card to Italian Pavilion
$20 gift certificate to Roma Pizza in Ansonia
$25 gift card to Panache Hair Design in Shelton
