Maurice + Ozzie Guillen = a good team for autism services
by Maurice
This past weekend was another annual holiday gala for Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. More importantly, it marked another beginning of Easter Seals and what future lies ahead. Many people showed up to support many different services Easter Seals has to offer through the Chicago area, and many guests had different stories to tell. From what I learned by attending these past events, people help each other out from time to time, and Easter Seals is the appropriate organization where many people help one another.
The memorable highlight of the evening was a special appearance by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who is a great spokesperson for autism. Yes, it was the same Ozzie Guillen who has visited the Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago’s new state-of-the-art Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research last year, the same White Sox manager who attended the unveiling of White Sox Field (a softball field designed for people with autism). 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.
It was great to see a philanthropic figure come out and share words of wisdom with Easter Seals once again. I have to say it was a privilege to reunite with Ozzie this time around because when I first met him this past summer, I was a little shy and didn’t know what words to say then. But right now, I was overjoyed to shake hands with a great celebrity once again. By meeting him, we instantly became fast friends. Not only because, just like president-elect Barack Obama, I am a die-hard White Sox fan and have been for the past 25 years, but I appreciate what Ozzie is doing for Easter Seals and autism. His words inspire hope and future for families with many different challenges and we support him 100% on this campaign.
Meeting Ozzie for the second time is a blessing not only to me and my family, but also for the people of Easter Seals. I guarantee there will be positive changes later in life for Easter Seals and Chicago. If I could tell Ozzie something, it would be, “Thanks for what you do for being a part of the Easter
Seals family. You are a true ‘role model’ for Easter Seals and I hope you’ll stay committed to this organization for years to come.”
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
also,
Ozzie is an inspiration to us all. He learned to speak English, had a very successful career and brought a World Series to Chicago…the first in over 75 years. AND, despite his antics is a proud member of the Chicago community. Keep in mind as a motivation.
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Maurice
Wow ! I ran into Ozzie 23 years ago as a young, non English speaking rookie. No picture for me. You are very fortunate. Tell Ozzie that Pierzinski needs to stay in the #2 spot and
who would replace the power and passion of a guy like Dye?
The Sox are already losing Crede. I liked your comment about trading Swisher.
Cheers !!
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Hello, Dean and Dan! Thanks for your comments! To tell you the truth, Dean, I didn’t hear any rumors at the moment that the White Sox are considering trading Jermaine Dye. This comes to no surprise actually; Dye has had great years on the South Side (power-hitting and fielding), but Kenny Williams is obviously rebuilding this ball club, they would probably strike rich with prospects in this year’s MLB draft. The first thing they need is speed in the lineup. Trading Nick Swisher for Wilson Betemit is an okay move, but I doubt that Betemit can carry the best speed on the team. I’ve heard they have an interest in Angels third baseman Chone Figgins; they would have to ship Paul Konerko.
And Dan, I’ll see if I can contact the Chevrolet Pride Crew and South Paw to throw an autographed Ozzie souvenir to you!
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
Maurice: Great job. Tell Ozzie that the next time he wants to toss a souvenir to the crowd, he should look to Section 135 Row 12. We’ll be waving. Beth tells me you are a big fan. Let’s hope we can get back to the playoffs next year.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Maurice, you and the big man look good together. My friend Beth Finke told me she is now a big fan of yours since you are hanging out with Ozzie. By the way, what do you think about the Sox rumors about trading Dye to the Reds?
November 30th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
There’s also an article on http://www.whitesox.com about Ozzie’s contribution towards the Theapeutic School. Just clck on the link above or go to the website. There’s also a cool picture of yours truly on whitesox.com!
November 26th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Mike, to answer your question, the students at Easter Seals participate in T-Ball for Special Olympics, which usually takes place in the spring, probably mid-April or the beginning of May. It’s good that the students actually have a baseball/softball field to practice and the people of the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research really enjoyed Ozzie’s contribution towards the school. This field is a great beginning for students to prepare for another baseball season!
November 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Maurice, I think Ozzie was the lucky one here. But inquiring White Sox fans want to know: Any secrets to share about the 2009 season yet? Any inside trade rumors?
OK, you probably were sworn to secrecy. But one question you might be able to answer is about White Sox Field. I know that like the school, it has special features, but I’m wondering what those features are. It sounds pretty interesting…if you have time between celebrities, can you fill us in…maybe when softball season is back?
November 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
That was very well-said, Barbara. I truly do believe me and Ozzie made a connection with each other. It feels like we have someting in common, which is maintaining a close and personal relationship with Easter Seals. Most importantly, I’m grateful that Ozzie is on our Board of Directors because he certainly makes a difference with Easter Seals.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Hi Maurice,
Your comments about Ozzie Guillen and his commitment to Autism is directly realted to you and your connection with Ozzie. You have made such a powerful impact with Ozzie and all of the great accomplishments you have made within your education as well as work life. I do believe that is why Ozzie has becomed a great friend of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago.