Former athletes came out to play for a good cause at the fourth annual Franklin Township Girls’ Old Timers Softball Game on Saturday.

This year’s event, organized by coaches Don Rehrig, Jeff Smith and Ted Garrison, benefitted the Lehighton Fire Department in their mission to acquire new safety gear.

“They help the community, why not help them?” Smith said.

Rehrig said the game holds a special place in his heart, as it combines his passions of firefighting and coaching.

“It feels great, because I’m also a volunteer at the fire department,” he said. “It’s kind of a win-win for me. The girls come out and play, and the department benefits from the event.”

Fire Chief Pat Mriss said that the department was thrilled to receive help from the Old Timers, and that the department always appreciates an opportunity to connect with the community.

“The organizers of this event contacted us, and they said they decided that all proceeds would benefit the Lehighton Fire Department. We were honored to hear that,” Mriss said.

“We’re always honored, any time we can partner with organizations throughout the community, especially with something like this. Lots of our members, and members’ children, have grown up in this organization.”

In addition to funds from sponsorships, money was raised through a 50/50, a Chinese auction and food sales.

All of the softball players at Saturday’s game came up in the Franklin Township league, making the event a reunion of sorts for the coaches and players.

“Don, Jeff and I coached the team for so many years, and we worked so well together, we just kept on going,” Garrison said. “It increases every year. Each year it gets bigger and better.”

Amber Curran, a former softball player and current volunteer firefighter, said that she was proud to do what she loved to help out her department.

“It actually feels pretty nice, because I get to play to benefit the fire department. It’s pretty good, and it’s a nice turnout,” she said.

Though Curran took a break from athletics, she said that her volunteer duties have helped keep her active and ready for the big game.

“The fire department has been keeping me in shape, though I haven’t played softball in two years. I think I’ll do pretty good,” she said.

After Jenn Eckhart sang the national anthem, her husband Jeff offered a prayer for the benefit of the fire department, and thanks for the chance to have fun while doing some good.

Shawneen Romito said that she was happy to come out and have a fun time with old friends for the benefit of the fire department, even if it might result in some aches and pains.

“I came up through this program, and I remember having so much fun. My daughter actually came up through this program. I played with most of these girls. Taking some time out for the fire company and getting to see them again, and picking up a bat and ball and getting to play, it’s worth the effort and the soreness that we’ll feel tomorrow, I’m sure,” she said.

Taking up their positions on the field and at the plate, the girls didn’t miss a beat, even if they had taken a few years off. In fact, on occasion, it was tough to turn down that competitive drive built upon years in the Franklin League, though everyone managed to have a fun afternoon with the casual game.

Rehrig said that he couldn’t thank his old players enough for coming out, giving their time and energy for the benefit of the fire department and the community.

“We wouldn’t have a game without the ladies that are lined up on the sideline right now,” he said. “Again, ladies, we appreciate you coming back out and giving back to the league you started out with. It’s a little bit of a reunion for you, but afterward, you’re going to think, ‘why did I do this?’ But we know why you do it — you want to help out others, and we thank you for that.”