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Seahawks auction items to support Ben's Fund, helping children with autism

By John Knicely

Photo of John and Traci Schneider's sons Jack Schneider (Left) and Ben Schneider (Right). 

By John Knicely

RENTON, Wash. — Seahawks general manager John Schneider has plenty to do this month, with the NFL Draft around the corner.

But he and his wife, Traci, are also focused on helping other families who have children with autism.

They talked to KIRO 7 about expanding their foundation, Ben’s Fund, to help young people with autism transition to adulthood, and say sales of some Seahawks memorabilia will help.

The Schneider’s oldest son, Ben, has autism and is now 16 years old. The couple started Ben’s Fund in 2012, and with adulthood around the corner for Ben, they’ve been thinking about that big change.

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“I think that's part of the anxiety, right,” John Schneider told KIRO 7. “We don't necessarily know.”

The Schneiders are making sure Ben can do things for himself.

“You know, I'll throw it back on him,” Traci said.  “And be like, ‘You are going to live with us forever, and we will always do everything for you.’ And he'll look at me and be like, ‘Mom, you're being sarcastic, aren't you?’”

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“If not,” John said.  “Then you got to go do A, B and C.”

Ben's Fund offers $1,000 grants to families per child or adult with autism per year. Click here for more information.

Now, the foundation is expanding.

“We're starting Ben's Fund young adult grants by offering support for education, job training, life skills and social skills,” Traci said.

Ben's Fund is auctioning three items autographed by Seahawks players, and it will receive 100% of the proceeds. Click here for the auction.

Furthermore, through the end of April, 10% of hat sales at the four Seahawks team stores will go to Ben's Fund.

The Schneiders are excited about how the money will help children's transitions to adulthood.

“It's so important for them to have that self-confidence to go out and feel like they can live life,” Traci said. “And support themselves, and be accepted feel loved.”

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