Matt Olson hosts 2nd Annual Diamond Casino Night to fundraise for ReClif Community autism services

The Atlanta Braves first baseman shows why he was the organization's Roberto Clemente Award nominee

The Atlanta Braves made a good choice when they traded for their first baseman. 

And the ReClif Community, in Peachtree Corners, GA, is sure glad they did, too. 

Braves first baseman Matt Olson, in partnership with the Atlanta Braves Foundation,  hosted his 2nd Annual Diamond Casino Night at Truist Park on Friday night to raise money for the autism support center. 

More than 50% of the estimated 3.5M Americans that are affected by autism spectrum disorder typically lose access to support programs after the completion of high school, and that's where the ReClif Community steps in. Founded by Matt's close high school friend Reese Blankenship, who himself lives with non-speaking autism spectrum disorder, it looks to, in Olson's words, "expand the network and open some eyes to more people about autism" and the struggles of living with it. 

On Friday night, the @bravesfdn partnered with @mattolson21 to host the second annual Diamond Casino Night benefiting @ReClifATL.

The @Braves star and Lou Blankenship discuss the importance of expanding the network and changing the conversation surrounding autism. pic.twitter.com/CxT83Oxp7K

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) January 13, 2024

Several current and former Braves players were in attendance, including Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Ozzie Albies, Sean Murphy, A.J. Minter, Charlie Culberson and Jeff Francoeur, with the goal of surpassing last year's fundraising total of $250,000. 

We were proud to support Matt & Nicole Olson as they hosted the second annual Diamond Casino Night benefiting ReClif Community and their work to change the conversation surrounding autism ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cl93hm3enT

— Atlanta Braves Foundation (@bravesfdn) January 13, 2024

Olson's work with ReClif Community over the years saw him nominated by the team for last season's MLB Roberto Clemente Award, given to the major league player who "best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field."

For more information about ReClif Community or to contribute to their mission, please visit their website.

Important Braves Today Offseason Stories
2023 MLB Free Agent Rankings
Current Atlanta Braves prospect rankings
Current Atlanta Braves 40-man roster
2024 International Free Agency tracker

Check out Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise