A's catcher Stephen Vogt and the Vogt Family Fund will host the School of Imagination's first-ever All-Star Benefit on World Autism Day, Saturday, April 2. All proceeds will benefit the School of Imagination, which provides support and services to more than 300 children, many with special needs and disabilities such as autism.
 
The All-Star Benefit will be a Texas hold 'em-style poker tournament featuring celebrity poker players, including Vogt; A's teammates Josh Reddick, Billy Butler, Billy Burns, Eric Sogard and Josh Phegley; A's hitting coach Darren Bush; Congressman Eric Swalwell; and KTVU's Mark Ibanez.
 
Individual tickets to the event can be purchased online at SOIAllStar.org by using promo code JOINVOGT.
 
"My wife, Alyssa, and I truly enjoy working with the School of Imagination," said Vogt. "We love the ability to not only spend time with the kids, but also help them feel important every time we get to go there. The school is doing amazing work and we feel honored to be part of their incredible program."
 
The Vogts are active supporters of the School of Imagination, visiting with students both at the school and on the field at O.co Coliseum multiple times throughout the season. They have been working with the school since 2014.
 
"Stephen's passion for working with special-needs youth is remarkable," said A's President Michael Crowley. "The A's are proud to join forces with him to help raise awareness and funds for the School of Imagination."
 
"We're so privileged to have the support of the A's and of Stephen," said School of Imagination Co-Founder Charlene Sigman. "At times, children with autism and special needs don't have the same opportunities as other children. All you have to do is see the looks on our students' faces to understand just how much Stephen's visits mean to us. To have the A's and Stephen take such an interest in our small school is just so appreciated by us all."
 
Founded in 2001, the School of Imagination in Dublin, Calif. has served thousands of families throughout Northern California. The school is committed to bringing out the extraordinary in every child by providing groundbreaking, collaborative and individualized educational, therapeutic and family support services. It offers a nurturing and positive environment through the highest quality inclusion program that supports all children, encouraging them to become positive influences on society.