August 05, 2019
Skeeters Baseball Foundation etches memories for Autism families
Every time you go to a Sugar Land Skeeters home game you have a chance to win the 50/50 raffle.
The Skeeters Baseball Foundation allows you a chance “to get rich or donate trying.”
The Foundation’s mission, “Promotes youth education and healthy activities for culturally, racially and economically diverse populations in Fort Bend County.”
This summer the Foundation awarded a grant to Hope For Three for families living with autism spectrum disorder to attend Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas.
Hope For Three, a local nonprofit and autism advocacy group, offered families they serve a contest to write a short message what a camp experience would mean to their family. All who entered were able attend the special needs camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with unique, camping and retreat experiences.
“This journey was not only a simple camp, it was an amazing experience for all members of my family, for each one of us,” said Juan Marquez, a Dad whose family attended the camp.
“For my son Gael, he learned a lot of new skills, like painting and fishing. I could see my wife Barbara content, relaxed and happy. And for me, I was able to see my son on the spectrum, Juanito, in another environment … He opened himself to new challenges and was able to manage his frustrations better. I feel his emotional level came up. Now, at home, he is crying less and controls himself much better than the week before. He follows directions much better and has less meltdowns,” Juan shared.
“Therefore, we, the whole Marquez family, is thankful and feel blessed for receiving this opportunity. We are thankful to all the people involved to make this happen. Thanks to Hope For Three, Camp Aranzazu, Samantha, Nichole and Amelia and her team and thank you to the Skeeters Foundation. Without all of you, being able to provide my family with a similar experience would have been close to impossible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to have this adventure, thanks to each of you to help our family and our sons. We feel blessed by all the positive energy and energy that you share with each of us,” said Marquez.
The Skeeters Baseball Foundation made a difference in the lives of four families by providing the opportunity to spend quality family time in a safe, accepting, inclusive environment.
At Camp Aranzazu, campers can leave behind the stresses of physical, medical, and emotional challenges, and spend time outdoors, socializing and interacting with others who face similar challenges.
For information on autism resources and event opportunities, visit hopeforthree.org or call 281-245-0640.
