The Darlington High School gymnasium was packed yesterday afternoon for an alumni basketball game, the final event of the Second Annual Cure Autism Through Change and Hope (C.A.T.C.H.) charity weekend hosted by Darlington alum and Major League baseball player, Orlando Hudson.
Hudson and Darlington Mayor Tony Watkins coached the two teams of alumni, ranging from recent graduates to old timers. The game was a nail biter all the way until the end with Hudson’s Red team winning in the final seconds.
Hudson said he is happy to get the “W,” but the real reason he hosts this weekend is to come back to where he grew up and raise money for a cause that is very close to his heart.
“This is where I’m from,” he said. “I come back to give to my hometown folks and raise money for the C.A.T.C.H. foundation.”
At halftime the city of Darlington showed their appreciation for Hudson and all he does for the community by presenting him with a sign that reads, “Home of Orlando Hudson, Major League Baseball Player,” that will be placed on S. Main Street and N. Main Street at the entrances to the city.
Watkins called Hudson a role model and spoke about how proud he is of all that he has accomplished. “He can live wherever he wants and he chooses to live here,” he said. “He never forgets these folks.”
The charity weekend kicked off on Friday when Hudson visited two schools in Hartsville to read to classes of autistic children. Saturday night there was a charity bowling event. The weekend raised more than $15,000 for the C.A.T.C.H. foundation.
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