April 18, 2014 - Carolina League (CarL) Lynchburg Hillcats Lynchburg, VA - For the sixth consecutive year, the Lynchburg Hillcats are partnering with Commonwealth Autism Services to generate funds and awareness while also providing a special atmosphere at City Stadium for those on the autistic spectrum.
Saturday, April 19, will mark the 6th Annual Autism Awareness Night presented by Physicians Treatment Center. The first 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative T-shirt. General admission tickets will be $10, and reserved seats will be $12. Two dollars from every ticket sold will go to Commonwealth Autism Services. Additionally, 100 percent of the proceeds from a silent auction during the game, a 50/50 raffle and sponsor donations will benefit the organization. Last year's event raised more than $11,000.
As many as 75,000 in Virginia are affected with the developmental disability. Commonwealth Autism Services is an organization that strives to enrich the lives of those in Virginia with autism throughout their entire lifespan through statewide services.
Didi Zaryczny, who serves as the public safety training coordinator in the Bedford office, noted that the silent auction offers an easy way for fans attending Saturday's game to help with the organization's efforts.
"We've done it every year, and it's always a huge success," said Zaryczny. "There are lots of different items that are donated, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the silent auction come back to Commonwealth Autism Services. We use the funds locally to train first responders, law enforcement and judicial personnel on interacting with individuals on the spectrum. We also train families and give them resources. The Hillcats have helped us raise a lot of money to keep those initiatives in place."
In addition to increasing awareness and raising funds for Commonwealth Autism Services, special accommodations will be made at Calvin Falwell Field to provide a fun evening at the ballpark for affected families.
Anyone with autism will receive free admission to the ballpark and be able to sit in a section reserved for them and their families. Zaryczny, who has a son with autism, said this is just one of the many aspects of the night that make it special.
"You can sit anywhere in the stadium, obviously, but it's really nice to have that camaraderie and networking opportunity at the ballgame," said Zaryczny. "The Hillcats have also created an opportunity where individuals on the spectrum can interact with some of the ballplayers, which is really cool because they see them on the field but they don't always get to talk to them. The ballplayers are really good about signing autographs and taking pictures. This year, they're going to allow individuals on the spectrum to be able to run the bases after the game with some of the players. Again, that's really nice because it creates an interest, and it's really a unique opportunity. "
Zaryczny knows firsthand some of the difficulties of going to public places with an affected child and really appreciates the partnership Commonwealth Autism Services and the Lynchburg Hillcats have made over the years to provide a fun evening at the ballpark.
"Typically, we can't always take our kids to public places. It can be overstimulating for them. It can be loud. It can be very difficult for families," said Zaryczny. "The Hillcats have a calming room. They have three different places that, if it becomes overstimulating, you can go to the calming room just for some peace. We've never had to utilize those rooms in all these years because it is autism friendly, but they are available. It's nice to be able to go somewhere as a family and not be stressed about what people are thinking."
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Hillcats to Host 6th Annual Autism Awareness Night Saturday, April 19