WALLINGFORD — The staff of Cook Hill Elementary School faced off against colleagues at Parker Farms Elementary School in a charity kickball match Friday, with all proceeds benefiting the schools’ parent-teacher organization. 

It was the second of two charity elementary school staff kickball games in town after Highland and Fritz schools played on Oct. 20.

On Friday, the Cook Hill Cougars took to the Parker Farms’ baseball field sporting blue and white tie-dye shirts while the Parker Farmers Bulldogs wore red hooded sweatshirts in the first ever staff kickball game between the sister schools.

Cheered on by parents and students, Cook Hill emerged victorious after building up a commanding lead in the game’s early innings, clinching a 7-4 victory after staving off several Bulldog rallies toward the middle stages of the match. Thanks to their win, Cook Hill earned the right to face off against the staff of Fritz Elementary School, which emerged the winner of its game against Highland.

The contest between Fritz and Cook Hill will take place in the spring.

Parker Farms Principal Christina Sagnella said she hopes the games become an annual event, with the important goal of raising money for extracurricular activities and school trips.

“We always like to bring extra programs to our kiddos, or bring them out for field trips,” Sagnella said. “Field trips are really expensive these days, and to defray the cost for families, the PTO does provide funds to the schools for field trips or extra programs that we bring in.”

Beyond netting funding for school programs, the game Friday contributed to the sense of community felt by players and spectators alike.

Sarah Jones, a spectator whose niece is a student at Cook Hill, said the event gave the community a casual yet key opportunity to build on existing bonds between residents. Jones attended both Parker Farms and Cook Hill herself.

“This town makes us feel safe,” Jones said. “So I think that this is just a good place to get to know people.”

bbaker@record-journal.com