O-Dog stays busy trying to strike out autism

FLORENCE — Orlando Hudson’s presence in the Pee Dee this time of year has become as reliable as the sun rising and setting.

It’s going to happen, because he’s passionate about the cause he has undertaken the past four years — raising awareness about autism.

Hudson will serve as host for two charity events in the area Saturday and Sunday as part of his annual C.A.T.C.H (Curing Autism Through Change and Hope) Foundation charity weekend.

Hudson, the former Darlington High School star athlete and now the second baseman for the San Diego Padres, said he developed compassion for autistic students when he was in high school because he felt they weren’t given a fair shake in the classroom.

He also says state governments could do a better job with available funds to help autistic students.

“It’s just seeing those kids not getting the proper education, pretty much getting pushed to the side,” Hudson said in an interview Tuesday on 100.1 FM in Florence.

Now that he has the means, he’s trying to do something about it.

Hudson’s C.A.T.C.H. Foundation raises money to fund outlets for proper therapy, education and extracurricular activities for autistic children, according to the foundation’s website. It provides grants to schools and other non-profit organizations to help fight the disease, which affects about one in 110 children in the U.S., according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Saturday, the Strike Out! Autism bowling fundraiser will be held at Southgate Bowling Center in Florence.

Then on Sunday, Hudson will host the Crossover Charity Basketball Game at Darlington High School.

Money raised at both events will benefit the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation, a nonprofit Hudson established in 2008.

Anyone can join the bowling tournament, which is scheduled from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Bowlers can participate by purchasing a $25 ticket, or $10 spectator-only tickets are available, as well.

The basketball game is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the Darlington High School gym.

Hudson said at least two sports stars from Darlington are scheduled to be part of the celebrity lineup, including Brian Scott, a multi-sport athlete at Darlington High who played football at South Carolina, and Derrick McQueen, who starred at St. John’s High and played basketball at Wake Forest in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Admission to the basketball game is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Hudson said the events are important for everyone to support because autism touches so many lives.

“We all know someone who has been affected by autism,” he said. “The money raised doesn’t just go to Darlington schools. It goes all around the Pee Dee area.”

C.A.T.C.H. CHARITY WEEKEND

Saturday

What: Strike Out! Autism bowling fundraiser

When: 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Southgate Bowling Center, 1902 S. Irby St., Florence

Cost: $25 to bowl in the event; $10 spectator-only tickets

Sunday

What: Crossover Charity Basketball Game

When: 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Darlington High School gym

Admission: $5 adults; $3 students

All proceeds from each event benefit the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit that helps fight autism.