Gilmour Academy Swing for a Solution Starts Today

varsity softball team will kick off its Swing for a Solution campaign when it hosts Ashtabula Edgewood High School for a 4:30 p.m. game today.

This is the third season for Swing for a Solution, which has raised more than $4,000 for the nonprofit organization Autism Speaks. Money is raised through the sale of apparel, with $5 from each item donated to Autism Speaks.

Kristy Booher, junior varsity softball coach, created Swing for a Solution to show support for varsity assistant Mandy Hansen, whose 8-year-old son, Michael, is autistic.

"Mandy and I have been friends since we were 7 years old. We actually met playing softball and continue to play the sport on the same summer team to this day," Booher said. "What better way to show my support of her and her son through something we've shared together our entire lives."

In addition to today's game, Gilmour will host Swing for a Solution games at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday against Laurel Middle School and 4:30 p.m. May 9 against Edgewood.

For information about Autism Speaks, go to www.autismspeaks.org. To donate to Swing for a Solution 2012, contact Booher at booherk@gilmour.org.