Chicago White Sox team-up for autism
by Beth
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!
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!!!
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!