for the benefit of QSAC: Quality Services for the Autism Community
On September 10, 2005 my wife, daughter and I went to a charity baseball game at Citibank Park in Central Islip. The beneficiary was QSAC, or Quality Services for the Autism Community. On one team were baseball veterans, and the other team consisted of players from the ranks of the companies who sponsored the event.
Among the veterans who played were Bud Harrelson, Tony Balsamo, Fred Cambria, Ed Charles, Art Shamsky, Chuck Schilling, Lee Smith, and Ron Swoboda. I was able to get autographs from Ron, Art, and Fred. I also took their pictures, as well as pictures of Ed Charles, Joe Pignatano, and Tony Balsamo. We sat right behind home plate, so we got a great view of the game. As it turns out, the veterans lost, but who cared!! We all had a great time and are looking forward to next year. Please check the pictures below.
After the game, we were all treated to a great fireworks diplay, sponsored by the Grucci Fireworks Company.
If any of you are wondering why we would be interested in what happens to members of the autism community, it's because our daughter suffers from it!
Autism is a neurological disorder, affecting one's ability to communicate, socialize, and generalize with others. It's also a spectrum disorder, ranging from the mild (Asperger's Syndrome) to the very severe (classical autism) cases. Autism is also a life-long disability, and that there is no cure known at this time. However, autism has been garnering more awareness, due to the increasing number of children being diagnosed with this disorder.
On September 9, 2006 we went with my cousin and his children to the second annual QSAC Benefit game. Many of the same players from the 2005 game, such as Ron Swaboda, Bud Harrelson, and Tony Balsamo were there, as was as former Yankee Ross Mosschitto. Since I had a funeral in the morning, and then go to work after that, I got to Citibank Park a bit late. However I still took some pictures and here they are.
