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Els for Autism Els Center of Excellence Foundation on Schedule

Foundation Pour Occurs on June 4, 2014

Jupiter, Fla. (June 6, 2014) – The Els for Autism Foundation construction plan is right on schedule for The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida as evidenced this week by a brief ceremony to mark the concrete pour for the Lower School’s building foundation.  The Center, which will be built on 26 acres in the heart of the Limestone Creek area of Jupiter, will be a world-class facility and a leading example of what should be available to people with autism spectrum disorders across the world.

The Ceremony to mark the pouring of the foundation for the Lower School and Center of Excellence Auditorium buildings was attended by the Foundation staff, Gerrits Construction, Mr. Els’ parents Hettie and Neels, and Liezl and Ernie Els.   Each person was able to place coins into the fresh concrete which came from multiple countries, like South Africa, the Els’ native country, Ireland, England, Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, Dubai and multiple states.  Many of the coins, placed to wish the Center of Excellence well, held special meaning including celebrations of significant dates or excellence.

The Center will integrate unique architectural components to create a learning environment specifically designed for children on the spectrum, and will include the technology, space and design components that will enable the Center to connect the international autism community with best practices and the latest information and research.

Once completed, the Center will provide a uniquely designed on-site educational program for 300 children on the autism spectrum ages 3-21. It will also bring together the critical components of early intervention, transition to adulthood, medical and professional services, and adult services all on one campus. At its heart will be a multi-faceted global outreach program that will make best practices in education and therapy available to children, families and autism experts both in the U.S. and internationally.

In the meantime, the capital campaign continues to ensure a continuous build schedule for the Upper School, the sports facilities, the medical and professional component and the adult services program.

“It was a wonderful day to celebrate the Center not only for me, but also for Liezl and our families as we see our dream of creating a world-class Center, focused on improving the lives of those impacted by autism, come even closer to a reality.” Commented Els for Autism Founder, Ernie Els.

– ENDS –

NOTES

About The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl to focus on the issue of autism. The Els’ son Ben is profoundly impacted by the disorder, which affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S., including 1 in 42 boys. The Els family has committed $6 million of their own money to build the facility. www.elsforautism.com

About Gerrits Construction

Gerrits is a seventy-year-old, third generation family-owned construction firm, based out of Boca Raton, Florida. Gerrits has substantial, local and international experience in the construction of healthcare, educational, and commercial facilities; across eight countries, seventeen states and throughout South Florida. High profile and unique projects have included the building of every site for the historic visit of the Pope to South Florida, and construction of the World Performing Arts Center at Lynn University; the site of the final Presidential debate between President Obama and challenger Mitt Romney. www.gerritsconstruction.com

Photography:

Photography for editorial use can be downloaded at: http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/dyNcyWJX/1/6548947

Donations:

  • To donate by check: make checks payable to Els for Autism and address to:

Els for Autism, 3900 Military Trail, Suite 200, Jupiter, FL, 33458

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