By Courtney Rabideau (Contact / Staff Bio)
August 9, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

MAYVILLE ‹ In an interview for the paper June 24, John and Cyndi Ball, armed with $1,000 and plenty of hope, began publicizing a fund-raiser for their six-year-old son Braeden, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. This year, the Ball family was organizing an event for their youngest son to qualify him for a trained autism assistance dog.

It was easier said than done, however, as the estimated cost of the four-legged addition was to be around $13,000.

Now, six short weeks later, the goal is within sight.

At the July 26 “A Night to Make it Happen: Paws for Braeden” benefit held at the Vassar Fraternal Order of Eagles 2380, more than 300 people attended to support the family and their cause.

Said John Ball to the guests, “You paid money to be here tonight for a good cause, but as a family we wanted to have a party held in your honor to say thank you to the hundreds of people who have taken a journey with us that has led us down some very interesting paths. To a large extent, it is because of you that we have seen great things happen in the life of our family, and in particular, the life of Braeden.”

After expenses, the Balls reported that approximately $8,500 was raised that night, with more than $6,000 in ticket sales alone.

“We can’t extend a huge enough thank-you,” John and Cyndi commented. “There are countless people who are appreciated far more than they know. We are so thankful for them.”

The family is now waiting for a few outstanding grants to be awarded and other monies to be received, but are quickly approaching their target amount.

Donations are still being accepted, however, and can be mailed to the Ball residence at 5471 Treasurer Rd., Mayville, MI 48744.

“Once we reach our goal, the dog could arrive as soon as May or as late as August,” added John.

Many have inquired as to the breed of the dog. “The company matches a dog specifically designed for Braeden’s needs, so even though many have asked what kind of dog we’ll receive, we have no idea as of right now,” said Braeden’s parents.

Efforts are still being made to raise money. A golf scramble fund-raiser for Braeden is set for Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8 a.m. at the Copper Ridge Golf Club, 8475 East Atherton Rd., Davison.

The cost is $53.50 with a $10 donation included in the price. The price covers 18 holes of golf, a GPS golf cart and lunch at the turn.

Those interested can sponsor a hole for $125 or a cart for $225. For a $300 fee, participants can sponsor both. Each sponsored hole or cart will include a sign listing the name or business.

To reserve a spot, contact Shannon Lacewell at (989) 871-6410.

To learn more about Braeden and his story, visit his Web site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/braedenball.