Time with Joe Mantegna is “a great kind of fun”
by Maurice
Summer is almost here, ladies and gentlemen, and June is off to a great start here at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago’s Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. Last week Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago welcomed two people to the school, actor Joe Mantegna and White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.
The White Sox game the previous night, June 1, 2010 was declared Joe Mantegna and Ozzie Guillen Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Autism Awareness Day, proclaimed by Governor Pat Quinn (D-Illinois). Pre-game festivities featured Joe throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Just for the record, it was a strike, just a little bit inside. The Governor and Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago CEO F. Timothy Muri also recognized Joe and ozzie for their generous efforts.
I was fortunate to spend time with Joe Mantegna and the rest of his family in his private skybox at the ballpark. Overall, it was a great kind of fun! The following day, both Ozzie and Joe stopped by the Therapeutic School for a press conference about constructing Phase Two, a therapy pool and fitness center for the clients. Joe Mantegna has a daughter with autism, and Ozzie Guillen is board member here at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. They discussed their commitment to help raise $8 million to build the second phase of the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research.
I was fortunate enough to give the grand tour to the most distinguished guests and they both enjoyed having me as their tour guide. They had the opportunity to visit some classrooms and spend time with the students, including Noah Martin — you might remember the post I wrote about Ozzie Guillen hosting Noah and his family during Spring Training earlier this year. It was an enjoyable day for the staff and students; it’s something we all can remember.
Once again, it was a pleasure to welcome back Ozzie and Joe to the Therapeutic School. I thank them both for their generous support of Easter Seals!