Wednesday will be “Sadie’s Night” at the Wildcat baseball game in honor of Sadie Bono, daughter of Lake Highlands Exchange Club member Justin Bono and his wife, Debbie. Sadie, who has a craniofacial condition called Pfeiffer Syndrome, will be throwing out the game’s first pitch. Proceeds from concession and bracelet sales will benefit the Children’s Craniofacial Association. (Sadie is shown here with big sister, Molly.)
“We’re excited that the team is going to honor her and at the same time make a contribution to other children that have similar conditions but aren’t as fortunate as she is,” said Justin. The Bonos have been involved with CCA since Sadie was born, and fellow Exchange Club member Tate Gorman serves on the CCA Board of Directors.
“LHHS Baseball has a great new coach, Corey Tucker,” added Bono. “He approached us and offered this amazing opportunity for our family to spread awareness about facial differences. Coach Tucker is in his first season coaching the Wildcats, and we are thrilled that he has made community service and involvement a priority for his players.”
“By increasing the number of people in the community that know Sadie, she has advocates to counter the inevitable teasing, questions and stares that will come as she grows up,” said Debbie, who believes that community awareness and familiarity contribute to her development. “We’ve been amazed at the impact she’s had on the people she’s encountered in our neighborhood and community so far. Her development has exceeded our expectations, and we believe the support we’ve had from our family friends, neighborhood and community played a huge role in that.”
The game against Jesuit begins at 7pm and there’s no price for admission, but don’t be late. Even with the great baseball the Wildcats are serving up these days, the best part of this game is likely to be the first pitch.
