Chicago White Sox team-up for autism


Posted by Beth Finke on August 7th, 2008

I’m not a member of any Rotary Club. I am a White Sox fan, though. And I’m also a fan of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago’s new state-of-the-art Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research.

So when I found out that members of Rotary District 6450 and other Chicagoland Rotary Districts were joining together at a White Sox game tonight, and that 100% of the ticket profits will provide support to Easter Seals’ new Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research … well, I bought a ticket.

Actually, I bought four. The White Sox are playing the Detroit Tigers tonight, and my husband Mike and I invited two Tiger fans to come along.

A story in yesterday’s Chicago Tribune about White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen attending the unveiling of White Sox Field (a softball field designed for people with autism) got me revved up for tonight’s game. White Sox Field is adjacent to the new Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research on Chicago’s West Side, and Chicago White Sox Charities donated $1 million to the new facility — the largest direct contribution to the project.

Guillen joked that he had plenty of time to attend, as he’s serving a 2-game suspension, but he spoke passionately about his interest in helping children with autism both here in Chicago and in his native Venezuela.

“Don’t treat them like somebody else,” Guillen said. “Treat them like the human beings that they are. Give the best day to these kids every day. That’s the main reason we helped build this field, to give them as many great days as possible.”

Ozzie’s suspension is over today, so I’ll be cheering him — and his team — on from the stands. I’ll be cheering the Rotarians seated around me, too. And of course I’ll be cheering for all the folks at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago too — yay, team!


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7 Responses to “Chicago White Sox team-up for autism”

  1. B.J. Smith Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 11:55 am

    A news release about another site that people may find useful:

    “Autism Hangout” helps members learn, share, thrive

    MINNEAPOLIS — A new social networking website is bringing together members of the autism community to compile “hands-on-knowledge” that will help them learn, share and thrive, according to the site’s founder.

    Craig Evans, stepfather of a 17-year-old boy with autism, said the idea for Autism Hangout (www.autismhangout.com) grew out of his own family’s experience.

    “One thing I’ve found most helpful is listening to others who have been through this and have found ways to deal with day-to-day issues of living with autism,” he said.

    “In my research, I found there was no single place for learning practical, hands-on knowledge of how to live with this. So we developed Autism Hangout as a place where the autism community can come together to learn from others and contribute what they’ve learned themselves.”

    Evans noted that between 12 and 17 million people are directly affected by the 300,000 who have been diagnosed with autism. Most autism-related websites provide only general information or they deal with fund-raising for research into causes and cures, he said.

    The advertiser-supported Autism Hangout site provides discussion forums, videos and product reviews in addition to special reports by professional journalists who have been affected personally by autism.

    Members can also create their own personal home pages and share their own stories, photos and blog entries. Member accounts are free.

    “In addition to families and individuals affected by autism, we hope to involve the professionals who serve those families and also the manufacturers that provide products they use,” Evans added.

    “Our community can provide great feedback about products. For one thing, our members really have to read labels carefully to be sure they’re following a proper diet and so on. They’re more conscious of those things than the general population.”

    A portion of Autism Hangout’s profits from advertising will be used to support autism-related causes.

    Craig Evans lives in Rosemount, MN, with his wife and stepson. Autism Hangout is a part of the Community Hangouts Network.

    # # #

  2. Mary Ivory Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    I am so ready to attend this game! It has been perfect weather this summer in Chicago and baseball season is with us big time in the City. But I am a Chicagoian by transplant and Detroit is my home town. I will be cheering for the Tigers tonight, with Beth and her Husband Mike and my Husband Mike, keeping a safe distance from me in the Cell. I must cheer on the Tigers,the hometown rules on this one!

    Go Tigers!

  3. Beth Finke, blog moderator Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    Ha! The only good thing about the Tigers is their center fielder: Curtis Granderson. He’s from, guess where? CHICAGO!
    Go White Sox! And…welcome back, Ozzie!

  4. Maurice Snell Says:
    August 10th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    That was a nice White Sox blog you put together, Beth! I’m pretty sure you enjoyed mine also! I’m sorry I wasn’t at the game Thursday, but I would’ve loved to see you. You wanna go to a game with me before this season’s over? GO WHITE SOX!!!

  5. Beth Finke Says:
    August 11th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    You are right, Maurice — I *LOVED* your post about the new White Sox Field. And I would have *LOVED* to have you with us at Thursday’s game, you for sure would have given the White Sox the good luck they needed that night (they lost to the Tigers on thursday, boohoo!)
    So yes, let’s go, go, go together to see the first place White Sox — maybe we can attend a playoff game together?!

  6. Bookmarks about Autism Says:
    November 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    [...] – bookmarked by 4 members originally found by tabularasa on 2008-10-15 Chicago White Sox team-up for autism http://autismblog.easterseals.com/chicago-white-sox-team-up-for-autism/ – bookmarked by 3 members [...]

  7. Rachel Says:
    October 19th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    Be a Hero: Join host Zoraida Sambolin for the 2nd Annual Autism Speaks Heroes Ball Friday, 11/13/09 at Sushi Samba (504 N Wells). The Heroes Ball recognizes local autism heroes and raises funds and awareness for the Chicago chapter of Autism Speaks. This year’s event features an all-star line-up of Chicago blues legends, strolling multi-course dinner, sushi bar, premium open bar, live and silent auctions, and more! Help change the future for all who struggle with autism. To buy tickets or make a donation, please visit: http://www.heroes-ball.org. Thank you!

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