Coshocton softball raises $3,838 for autism

The Coshocton girls softball team took on Tusky Valley in a double-header April 4. This was a very special day for the teams as it was a day for autism awareness and a fundraiser for the local ASK Autism & More family support group.

The softball teams wore autism awareness ribbons and socks for their game and invited members of the ASK group to attend the game. Awareness banners and puzzle pieces decorated the area around the field. A bake sale and food stand were available. Raffle tickets for more than 20 baskets and 50/50 tickets were sold. ASK members and the teams were given wooden puzzle pieces with the date of the game on them.

Coach Peighton Lahna said, “I just want everyone to know how much we appreciated everyone coming and supporting the cause and our athletes. I found a quote, and I think it’s perfect: ‘Autism is not a choice, but acceptance is.’”

Becky Williams is a mentor for the team and one of the many volunteers who worked countless hours to pull the awareness game together.

“My son Paxton was just diagnosed with autism this past November. When Peighton let me become a mentor, I remembered my senior year and how we did an awareness game. I immediately knew I wanted to try and get something like that together,” Williams said. “The autism world is new to me, but being a mom is not, and I want everyone to understand Paxton and everyone else like we do because they are perfect the way they are.”

ASK member Cherie Reveal attended the game with her husband and son. “We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity shown to our ASK group by the Coshocton Lady Redskins softball team. We truly appreciate their support for families with special needs.”

Mandy Brenly, another ASK member, said she was floored by the kindness and support shown by the Coshocton softball team.

“The shirts they designed to show autism support are adorable. The donation to ASK Autism & More was incredible, and the players wearing autism awareness bows in their hair was the cherry on top,” Brenly said. “It’s times like this that I’m reminded just how amazing and caring this community is. Thank you, Coshocton softball.”

The Coshocton softball team was able to donate $3,838 to ASK Autism & More. The money will be used for their upcoming conference and for special events for families with disabilities in the community.