Ellenville, TV team up for charity

A year ago, the Ellenville softball team decided to dedicate one game to fund-raising efforts for charity and it proved a big success.

“It’s really humbling to know we are playing for something and coming together as a team for something bigger than the game,’’ said co-captain Kassondra Little. “It feels really good to work toward something and know we are helping people.’’

Last year’s charity was supporting research for pedriatric blood disorders and cancers at the Albany Medical Center. When it came time to decide on this year’s event, the girls chose the organization Autism Speaks because its message hits very close to home – coach Bryan Bonitz’s youngest son, 12-year-old J.T., has autism, as does Little’s 16-year-old cousin, Jackson.

“Autism Speaks is a charity that raises money to fund autism research,’’ Bonitz said. “They help families with autistic children, especially when they are finding out for the first time.’’

The charity game – named Strike Out Autism – is a partnership between Ellenville and Tri-Valley. T-shirts were designed using the puzzle-piece logo of Autism Speaks and utilizing the colors for each school. The $10 Ellenville t-shirts sold out and an additional order had to be made. In addition, local businesses have been approached to purchase puzzle pieces to display their participation.

“The response from the community and businesses was great last year,’’ Bonitz said.

J.T. Bonitz, who turns 13 next week, is a quiet kid and on the shy side, especially with strangers. He likes watching TV and using his iPad and Kindle but he is not into athletics at all, even though his father coaches three sports.

“Most of the kids have been around a long time,’’ Bonitz said of his veteran softball team. “They know my son … one of the girls just babysat for us last week. I think they like they are raising money, and they know it’s important to me. It makes you feel good.’’

Little’s cousin, Jackson, is a tall 16-year-old who is thrilled to be back in Ellenville after living in Minnesota for a while. “He’s a really funny kid,’’ Little said. “He’s mature. He loves video games. He loves school here. He loves to be outside. He’s always laughing. He’s come to a few of my games – I’m not sure how much he pays attention because sometimes he goes off, takes a walk and comes back.’’

Little said many of the players for Ellenville and Tri-Valley cross paths in softball circles so she’s glad they have gotten together for this charity game.

“Everyone is so excited,’’ Little said. “The competition will be there the night of the game but right now we’re enjoying working together.’’

kmcmillan@th-record.com

Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

What: “Strike Out Autism,’’ a non-league, charity softball game

Who: Tri-Valley vs. Ellenville

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Berme Road Park, Ellenville

Info: Game to benefit Autism Speaks. T-shirts will sell for $10, as will various puzzle pieces. Donations can be made, payable to the Ellenville PTO.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

How common is autism?

Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify around one in 68 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.

ASD affects over 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Moreover, government autism statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percent annually in recent years.

Source: AutismSpeaks.org