The Atlanta Braves made a good choice when they traded for their first baseman.
And the ReClif Community, in Peachtree Corners, GA, is sure glad they did, too.
Braves first baseman Matt Olson, in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation, hosted his 2nd Annual Diamond Casino Night at Truist Park on Friday night to raise money for the autism support center.
More than 50% of the estimated 3.5M Americans that are affected by autism spectrum disorder typically lose access to support programs after the completion of high school, and that's where the ReClif Community steps in. Founded by Matt's close high school friend Reese Blankenship, who himself lives with non-speaking autism spectrum disorder, it looks to, in Olson's words, "expand the network and open some eyes to more people about autism" and the struggles of living with it.
Several current and former Braves players were in attendance, including Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy, A.J. Minter, Charlie Culberson and Jeff Francoeur, with the goal of surpassing last year's fundraising total of $250,000.
Olson's work with ReClif Community over the years saw him nominated by the team for last season's MLB Roberto Clemente Award, given to the major league player who "best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field."
For more information about ReClif Community or to contribute to their mission, please visit their website.
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