Basking Ridge Teens Donating Baseball Equipment to Bonnie Brae

Jack Brenner and Brian Capato of Basking Ridge have collected a vast collection of baseball equipment which they are donating to Bonnie Brae in Liberty Corner. Brenner and Capato have played baseball together since they were 5 years old and credit the sport with fostering not only their love of the game but teaching invaluable skills that resonate both on and off the field. Baseball, they agree, has taught them the value of sportsmanship and how to work as a team to reach a common goal. “It’s about respect for one another and knowing regardless of whether we win or lose, it’s a team effort,” says Brenner. The boys brainstormed ways in which they could share their love of the game with those who may not have had the same opportunity. “We wanted to make a difference locally,” says Capato, “and when we learned about Bonnie Brae and its need for sports equipment, we knew we could help.” Together the boys collected bats, gloves, balls, helmets, catchers’ equipment and teaching aids from neighbors, friends and teammates. It was incredible, they said, how the community responded to the flyers they posted around town as well as postings on social media. However, the boys didn’t just want to drop off the equipment and leave. Instead Brenner and Capato wanted to connect with the teens at Bonnie Brae and build a stronger community relationship.

With the assistance from volunteer coaches Jason Roberts and Justin McKay, the boys organized a ‘Skills and Drills’ clinic which was scheduled to be held at Bonnie Brae on Saturday, March 28, 2020. However, because of the Covid19 health crisis, the clinic has been postponed until the crisis passes and social distancing measures are lifted. The boys are disappointed, but they look forward to the day that they can share their skills and love of the game with the Bonnie Brae boys. They even created t-shirts for all the participants. “We are looking forward to meeting the Bonnie Brae guys and connecting with them,” said Brenner and Caputo, “after all, we are all a part of the same community.”

Bonnie Brae Chief Executive Officer, Paul Rieger added, “We are looking forward to the day they can come to campus and play alongside our guys. Donations and people like this create opportunities which are incredibly important as our young men open themselves up to new experiences and relationships.”

About Bonnie Brae: Accredited by the Joint Commission, Bonnie Brae is one of the nation’s preeminent treatment and education environments for at-risk New Jersey boys, ages 8-21, who have histories of trauma and are struggling with mental health issues, resulting in behavioral challenges. Bonnie Brae provides the opportunity for them to discover, develop and maximize the skills necessary for them to become healthy and responsible young men. In our 100+ year history, Bonnie Brae has transformed the lives of more than 10,000 boys and families.