The website www.AutismSpeaks.org states on its home page, "The odds of winning the U.S. Open twice: 1 in 1.2 billion; the odds of being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 150. The odds say, it's time to make a difference."

For Mississippi RiverKings forward Matt Summers, that time is now.

Summers recently accepted the position of 2009-10 spokesperson for the RiverKings' Assists for Autism assists-for-charity pledge campaign.

"I have a cousin with autism that I watched all the time growing up," Summers said. "She's an awesome kid, really great. But she really struggled with certain things. Even a little thing that was out of her daily routine would really throw her for a loop.

"Because she and I are so close, autism awareness is something I really care about,” he added. “So I'm really excited, and honored, to be this year's spokesperson. Hopefully we can help other kids like her."

The RiverKings have selected the condition of autism as a patron cause, helping to raise money for autism education and family support initiatives in DeSoto County and the greater Memphis area.

The team campaign, "Assists for Autism," is the brainchild of community advocate and business owner Wayne Bartley and RiverKings assistant captain Louis Dumont.

Fans and supporters can make a fixed pledge for every assist made by the team to help children in the autism spectrum through early intervention, in-class aids, teacher training and family support groups.

The pledge campaign is administered through an endowed fund by the same name at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi that makes yearly grants pertaining to the cause.

To join Summers and the RiverKings in helping children and families in the Mid-South dealing with autism, please contact the RiverKings office at 662.342.1755 or email whitley@riverkings.com.