Softball game to raise funds to purchase dog for autistic girl

A friendly softball game between the Arlington Heights Police and racing staff from Arlington Park, turns out to mean more than just bragging rights this year.

On Thursday they will take the field in the eighth annual Arlington Million Softball Charity Tournament, in a pair of games organizers are calling, "Playing for Regina." The first match starts at 6 p.m., at the ball field located just west of the track, on Rohlwing Road, north of Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights.

Sluggers from both teams, as well as the local Rotary clubs and area businesses are working together to help the family of 14-year-old Regina Piemonte of Arlington Heights, who has a rare chromosomal disorder, with a secondary diagnosis of autism.

Specifically, they hope to raise $10,000 from concessions and raffles during the games, to finance the purchase of a service dog for Regina, specially trained to ground - and track - children with autism.

Her mother, Mary, explains that like many children with autism, Regina often wanders away from home, and since she cannot communicate, the family worries about her safety.

"She is so fast, and she can undo locks," Piemonte says. "We have to watch her constantly, and try and stay two steps ahead of her."

The family is in contact with an Ohio company, 4 Paws for Ability, which was the first agency to train dogs specifically for children with autism. The autism service dog is tethered to the child, and grounds itself when the child wants to start wandering away.

The dog also is trained to track a child's scent, if the child succeeds in getting away. If Regina is approved for the dog, it would take another 12-18 months to get it.

Co-workers of Piemonte's at Picket Fence Realty, conceived the idea of helping the family. They turned to contacts in the Arlington Heights Noon Rotary and Arlington Heights Breakfast Rotary clubs, as well as Arlington Park, for support.

" It's been great, everybody's so willing to help," said Sue Ducheck, who owns Picket Fence with her husband, Paul.

Consequently, while the police officers and racing staff try to draw interest on the field, Rotarians, realtors and other supporters will be flipping burgers and selling raffle tickets to help generate some funds.

Already, Arlington Park has donated $2,500 to help jump-start the cause, but they still seek more raffle prizes and donations to help drive up the proceeds.

Interested participants may e-mail Kris Stabler, Arlington Park's community relations vice president, at KStabler@ArlingtonPark.com.