[{"id":50859,"postID":"1d6d34ee-1b3b-e8fb-de77-d859c212d36a","postName":"2025 In Review: Our Top 5 of 2025","postDescription":"\nThis year's theme, \u201cHonor Our Legacy, Fuel Our Future,\u201d celebrates the lasting legacy we have built since we opened The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae campus 10 years ago while looking ahead to the future with the groundbreaking of our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex.\n\nThroughout the year, we witnessed incredible breakthroughs and celebrated meaningful milestones with the individuals and families we serve. While there were countless memorable moments, we\u2019ve narrowed it down to Our Top 5 of 2025!\n\nInaugural Neon Nights Held to Celebrate a Decade of Excellence\nOn August 18, our campus officially turned 10 years old. Year after year, the vision of our founders has come to life as The Els Center of Excellence evolved from a plot of land into a one-of-a-kind campus that families around the world relocate to be part of so their child can receive education, therapy, and support, all in one place.\n\nTo celebrate our milestone anniversary and remarkable growth, we opened the campus to the community on August 23 for our inaugural Neon Nights. Our Events Team transformed the campus into a glowing, 80s-themed celebration complete with a lively dance floor, glow golf competitions, and South Florida\u2019s top food trucks serving delicious delights.\n\nThis year\u2019s Neon Nights benefited the construction of our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex - which brings us to our second highlight!\nGroundbreaking of the Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex\n\nFulfilling a long-term vision of our founders, on August 28 we broke ground on a Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex, a transformative addition to our campus.\nThis state-of-the-art facility will be the first ASPECTSS\u00ae-compliant sports and recreation complex in the U.S., using a research-based architectural design framework tailored for individuals with autism.\n\nThe complex will include:A purpose-built gymnasium designed to reduce sensory overload, offering year-round access to basketball, yoga, and fitness programs\n\nAn aquatics center providing life-saving swim instruction and water safety education - especially crucial in Florida, where drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism\n\nA teaching kitchen and multipurpose dining area to support life skills development and community programs\n\nSensory escape spaces, a splash pad, and therapeutic fitness rooms for safe, inclusive play for healthy livingAnother major milestone this year was receiving a $2.5 million appropriation from the State of Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, bringing total state funding for the complex to $4.4 million over the past three years.\nErnie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Aquatics Program Developed\n\nThis year, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Sports program expanded to include aquatics. While all of our sports programs promote physical health, social skills, and emotional well-being, the new aquatics program was designed to also save lives.\nWith drowning being the leading cause of death for children with autism, this program provides specialized swim instruction tailored to the unique learning styles of individuals on the spectrum.\n\nThe curriculum focuses on:Building essential water safety awareness and swim skills\n\nIncreasing confidence and independence in aquatic environments\n\nSupporting social engagement and communication through structured group lessons\n\nUsing evidence-based strategies to track progress and outcomes\n\nCADI Through the Lifespan\n\nOur Collaborative Autism Diagnosis and Intervention (CADI) program expanded to provide diagnostic services across the entire lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood.\nThis expansion was needed, especially for teens and adults, as there is now greater awareness, improved screening and diagnostic tools, and expanded definitions of autism.\n\nBy offering CADI services across the lifespan, we can ensure individuals receive timely evaluations and customized care plans that support their strengths, goals, and long-term potential, no matter their age.Career Exploration & Training (CET)\n\nFinally, in 2025, we launched the Career Exploration & Training (CET) program, empowering adults with autism to explore their strengths, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for meaningful careers.\nThis innovative initiative offers training and career discovery across multiple industries, including basic carpentry, hotel and hospitality, office and clerical essentials, retail, and food service.\n\nParticipants receive personalized coaching, r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and interview preparation, and real-world practice inside our state-of-the-art vocational labs. Our labs were built to provide safe, realistic environments designed to build workplace-ready skills.\n\nAll training is focused on fostering independence, confidence, and long-term success in the workforce. This program was made possible through a generous grant from NEXT for AUTISM.As we close out this eventful and memorable year, we extend our gratitude to the families who entrust us to support their children through our programs and services. We are also thankful for every donor, volunteer, and community partner who supported our mission in 2025.\n\nFrom small moments to major milestones, your generosity this year pushed us closer to a world of endless opportunities for individuals with autism.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1K7A4341.jpg","date_day":2,"date_month":"Dec","date_year":2025},{"id":50635,"postID":"54a4dbec-5a8c-8b92-4b6e-8a94738c6d84","postName":"\u201cIt\u2019s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year\u201d\u2026 or is it?","postDescription":"\nWhether it\u2019s the annual drive to Grandma\u2019s house or a cross-country flight to visit extended family, the holiday season can bring unique challenges for individuals with autism. Our Senior Manager of Therapeutic Services,\u202fAmanda Trovato, PsyD, shares tips to help support your loved one through the holidays - plus great\u202fholiday gift ideas\u202fbelow!\n\nTravel PrepPlan a flexible schedule\u202fand avoid overloading your child. Build in breaks and quiet time. Remember, even fun activities can be \u201cbattery draining.\u201d\n\nTalk about the trip in advance.\u202fCreate a visual or social narrative to explain what to expect (airport, security, plane, hotel) so your child can anticipate and understand expectations in each setting. Social Narratives PDF - Travel Toolkit\n\nIf your child uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device,\u202fprogram it with vocabulary for describing what they might see, feel, or want.\n\nIf flying,\u202fcontact the airport ahead of time to share any sensory or support needs.\n\nPack a sensory\/comfort travel bag\u202fwith items such as: noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, sunglasses, chew or fidget toys, a scented or aromatherapy stuffed animal, or a small scent jar (a container with cotton balls infused with a favorite scent for sniffing when overwhelmed).Travel DaysMake sure all devices (AAC, tablet, etc.) are fully charged and charger cords are easy to reach. Consider a portable charger in case outlets aren\u2019t available.\n\nDress your child in\u202fcomfortable clothing\u202fand bring a familiar comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal.\n\nIf flying,\u202fpack snacks or gum\u202fto help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.\n\nA window seat may be helpful if your child enjoys looking outside, or an aisle seat might be better if they need to get up and stretch occasionally.\n\nPlan sensory breaks with items from your child\u2019s sensory bag. For longer trips, pack snacks and entertainment, and if driving, research fun stop spots to break up the time in the car.At Your DestinationUpon arrival,\u202forient your child to the new space (hotel room, guest room) and set up familiar items.\n\nKeep key parts of the regular routine - mealtimes, bedtime, and wake time - whenever possible.\n\nIdentify calm corners or quiet spaces\u202fwhere your child can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.\n\nHave an escape plan\u202ffor sensory overload, such as taking a short walk or visiting a quiet room.\n\nAbove all,\u202fbe flexible!\u202fAdjust plans as needed and celebrate small wins along the way.Holiday Gift IdeasGifts that encourage or celebrate your child\u2019s special interests\n\nWeighted blanket (for calming deep pressure)\n\nNoise-canceling headphones\n\nVisual schedule boards\n\nChewable or fidget jewelry for sensory regulation\n\nSensory play items such as kinetic sand, textured mats, or squish toysFor more tips from the\u202fEls for Autism\u202fteam, including our\u202fThanksgiving Social Narrative\u202fwritten by an adult with autism, visit our \u2018Autism Tips\u2019 blog section.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/123123123-300x300.jpeg","date_day":6,"date_month":"Nov","date_year":2025},{"id":50890,"postID":"a1711497-6d5d-8879-d449-9baf681c67bd","postName":"Mika Fowler","postDescription":"\nMika Fowler is a 22 year old self-taught artist from California. She showed signs of autism at two years old and was diagnosed with ASD when she was in elementary school.\nMika often incorporates cats in her art. She created a language when she was 10 years old and has been working on it since. Her love for cats shows in the writing system which is inspired by tabby cat stripes. One of her favorite projects is a series of psychedelic cat drawings done in colored pencil.\n\nMika\u2019s passion for art became recognized when she was in kindergarten. Her art teacher, Mrs. Hanes, encouraged her to participate in local art shows and contests. As she grew up, Mika started experimenting with different media and has developed a wide range of styles and techniques. Her high school art teacher, Mrs. Tracy Canada, helped Mika gain confidence in her abilities and motivated her to participate in local and international juried art shows.\n\nMika does commissions and sells original designs on her website scratchpoststudio.com","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mika-300x300.jpg","date_day":2,"date_month":"Nov","date_year":2025},{"id":50416,"postID":"16049631-a159-495d-079a-4978028fc504","postName":"How One Family\u2019s Journey Inspired a Global Movement: The Story Behind Els for Autism","postDescription":"\nNo parent ever wants to hear that their child has autism. When Ernie and Liezl Els\u2019 son, Ben, received an autism diagnosis, their lives, like those of all families directly impacted by autism, changed forever. However, their journey to support Ben inspired the creation of a world-class autism campus, a place where individuals of all ages can access programs, services, therapies, and education all in one location.\n\nA Family\u2019s Leap of Faith\n\nAt the time of Ben\u2019s diagnosis, World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els and his family were living in England. \u201cWe took a chance and put him into the same school as our older daughter, Samantha. He absolutely despised it,\u201d Ernie Els recalls.\nDetermined to find a better solution, Liezl Els began researching and discovered a charter school for children with autism in Palm Beach County, Florida. The family took a leap of faith and moved across the pond. The decision changed everything. \u201cBen started smiling and making friends. Although the school gave him the support he needed, the building wasn\u2019t up to \u2018par.\u2019 Liezl said to me, \u2018We must build something proper for individuals with autism.\u2019\u201d\n\nThe Beginning of Els for Autism\n\nErnie Els then decided to go public with Ben\u2019s diagnosis, making the announcement at the 2008 Honda Classic - an emotional moment that inspired family friend and entrepreneur Marvin Shanken. Shanken pulled Els aside and suggested they collaborate to raise money for autism research through a Pro-Am. \u201cYou get the pros, I\u2019ll get the amateurs,\u201d Shanken told Els.\n\nThat initial idea grew into something even greater. Together, Ernie & Liezl Els and Marvin Shanken established the Els for Autism Foundation\u00ae, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. Through fundraising efforts, including the Els for Autism Pro-Am, they purchased a 26-acre plot of land in Jupiter, Florida, to build The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae - a world-class hub for autism services and education.\n\nBuilding The Els Center of Excellence\nGround broke in 2014, and just 18 months later, the campus opened with the Rupert Education Wing - the new home of Ben and his friends\u2019 charter school - and an administration building. During that time, the founders recruited Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC, from the University of Miami- Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) to help create comprehensive wraparound programs so individuals could receive all their therapies and services in one central location.\n\nThis innovative approach changed everything for families. \u201cWe were spending nearly two hours every day in the car taking our child from school to therapy. Now he just walks down the hallway on The Els Center of Excellence campus,\u201d said one parent whose child attends the charter school and receives services from the Els for Autism team.\n\nA Decade of Impact\n\nThis past August, The Els Center of Excellence celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The campus now includes the Shanken Education Wing, the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, the O\u2019Donnell Family Pavilion, sensory arts gardens, tennis and basketball courts, two playgrounds, and a three-hole pitch-and-putt golf course.\n\nUnder the direction of Dr. Sotelo, who is now the Executive Director, Els for Autism provides autism programs and services for individuals starting at 12 months old through adulthood, focusing on three primary impact areas:Early Intervention & Education\n\nRecreation\n\nAdult ServicesExpanding Recreation and Research-Based Design\nTo mark the campus\u2019s 10-year anniversary, Els for Autism broke ground on a Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex. The complex will include the Stanley Black & Decker Gymnasium, an Aquatics Center, and the Thomas R. & Deborah K. Whitesell Splash Pad. It will also be the first sports and recreation facility in the U.S. to be ASPECTSS\u00ae compliant - a research-based architectural design framework for autism.\n\nIncluding the aquatics center was especially important. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism, and through the evidence-based Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Aquatics program, children will learn essential swim and water safety skills in a safe, supportive environment.\n\nA Global Vision for Autism Support\n\nEls for Autism also has organizations in the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa. Its evidence-based programs and services have reached families and professionals in 38 countries, creating a true global autism community.\n\nDespite this global reach, Els emphasizes that Els for Autism remains a family-driven organization, and on any given day, you will see him and his wife greeting staff, clients, and their families. \u201cI don\u2019t know if one day I\u2019ll be remembered as a golfer or as a dad who brought autism to the public,\u201d he reflects. \u201cI like the latter.\u201d\n\nA Legacy of Hope and Excellence\n\nNo matter where you call home, Els for Autism provides autism support services, programs, education, and resources for individuals of all ages, their caregivers, and professionals.\n\nExplore our full list of evidence-based programs and services.As a nonprofit organization, Els for Autism relies on charitable financial contributions to continue providing programs and services to our clients and their families. Remarkably, 87\u00a2 of every $1 directly benefits our programs and services, ensuring your donation has a profound impact. We invite you to explore our diverse range of giving options, tailored to match your philanthropic goals and preferences. Your generosity fuels our global mission to transform the lives of people with autism and their families through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships. Thank you for being a vital part of our community and helping us create a world of limitless possibilities.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ernie-Ben-2018-2-300x300.jpg","date_day":23,"date_month":"Oct","date_year":2025},{"id":48686,"postID":"67708b6a-1cb6-75c3-5c93-3be5d64f1203","postName":"Hope Floats: How the Ernie Els #GameON Aquatics Program is Creating a Safer Future for Children with Autism","postDescription":"\nIt is a tragic and heartbreaking statistic that drowning is the leading cause of death in autistic children, with Florida being the state with the highest number of these deaths. From 2012 to August 2024, 130 children with autism drowned in Florida alone*. Many autistic children are naturally attracted to water, and they may leave a safe environment without realizing the potential dangers that water can present. Sadly, children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical counterparts.\u00a0\nThis devastating reality is one of many reasons the Els for Autism team is proactively spreading awareness of water safety by creating the Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u00ae Aquatics program. This multi-level curriculum is an innovative, evidence-based program developed to teach individuals with autism and related needs how to swim in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This program is designed by certified aquatics professionals, licensed therapists, and adaptive swim instructors within community pool facilities, private swim academies, and clinical or therapeutic settings.\u00a0\n\nTo aid us in our endeavor, we are actively fundraising for our Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex, which will include an Aquatic Center, a multipurpose amenity that will include a regulation size swimming pool which will facilitate swimming and water safety lessons.\u202f\u00a0\nAdditionally, for individuals who cannot swim or prefer not to, the Aquatic Center will also house a Splash Pad which is generously named by Thomas R. and Deborah K Whitesell and will allow children to enjoy inclusive, social fun while being in a safe and protective environment. As early intervention is crucial, this will allow young individuals to build a positive association with water and is a step towards building trust and awareness for the individual.\u202f\u00a0\n\nAutism Parenting Magazine wrote an article highlighting four benefits of swimming for autistic individuals: calming the mind, reducing sensory deprivation, following instructions, and developing motor skills.\u00a0\u202f\u00a0\n\nOnce the Aquatic Center is completed, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism\u202fAquatics program will be available globally, allowing individuals, organizations, or businesses to become Official Program Providers and offer this lifesaving program in their community. If you are interested in becoming an Official Program Provider, please join our interest list here.\u00a0\u00a0\n\nWe believe providing water safety education is a pivotal key to individuals with autism, but we cannot do it alone. You can be a part of the mission to save autistic lives by donating to our cause. Big or small - your contribution will help us create a future where families do not have to suffer the tragedy of an accidental drowning.\u202f\u202f\u00a0\n\nDonate Now to help save lives!\u00a0\u00a0\n\n*Based on data published by the Children's Services Council\u00a0\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/swimming-pool-300x300.jpg","date_day":21,"date_month":"Jul","date_year":2025},{"id":48141,"postID":"514644f9-f805-03ba-2083-edd5f6a8bd9a","postName":"The Spectrum of Blue","postDescription":"\nCreated by participants from the Adult Day Training Program and the Recreation Program at Els for Autism\u00ae\n\nArtists began by placing drops of different shades of blue onto their canvas. They then carefully laid a piece of cellophane over the paint. Using their fingers like brushes, they gently moved the paint around, creating unique patterns and textures. Finally, they lifted the cellophane to reveal their one-of-a-kind masterpiece.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Artist-Showcase-4-600x796-1-300x300.jpeg","date_day":9,"date_month":"Jul","date_year":2025},{"id":47725,"postID":"9cddd01d-cf91-d955-cdde-ce7a7a8d9c7a","postName":"A Fathers Day Letter from Ernie Els","postDescription":"I hope today brings you some time to relax, reflect, and maybe even sneak in a round of golf or a dip in the pool with your kids. There's nothing quite like those simple moments, laughing in the golf cart, catching a ball, or just being together without distractions.\nAs a dad, some of my best memories with my kids have come through sports and recreation. Whether it's getting a workout in with Sam, going for a swim with Ben, or all of us catching a baseball game, these are the moments that stay with me. With Ben, especially, we've found our rhythm through recreation. It's where we bond, without the need for too many words, just being together.\nThat's why I'm so proud of what we do at Els for Autism. Our recreation programs at Els for Autism are designed to create those very same moments for families like ours.\n\nWhether it's swinging a golf club, shooting hoops, or simply enjoying time in the pool, we're creating ways for parents to connect with their children in a meaningful way.\nAnd we re ready to take our recreation program to the next level with the groundbreaking of our Specialized Autism Friendly\n\nRecreation Complex. It will include everything from a gymnasium to an Aquatic Center, where kids and adults with autism can learn to swim and build confidence in the water.\nWe want to create opportunities for families to come together, connect, and create their own unforgettable memories, just like I do with Sam and Ben.\n\nIf you haven't seen what we're building, check out our plans on the Els for Autism website. I think you'll be just as excited as we are!\n\nHere's to slowing down, soaking in the moments, and celebrating the incredible bond between father and child.\n\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ggggggg-300x300.jpg","date_day":13,"date_month":"Jun","date_year":2025},{"id":47576,"postID":"019b1474-284c-fe7c-fa93-1ad534bf7735","postName":"PBS Special Featuring Els for Autism","postDescription":"\n[elsVideo url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tm9fv0452aI\"]\nWe were thrilled \"On The Town In the Palm Beaches\" featured us in their episode \"Working in the Palm Beaches.\"\n\nTogether, we can create limitless possibilities for the future of employment opportunities for all. Learn about all different Employment Programs!\n\nEmployment Programs\n\nEmployers often find individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities to be exceptionally dedicated, excelling in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and following workplace policies. Furthermore, companies that actively employ individuals with disabilities report impressive statistics, including an 89% higher retention rate, a 72% increase in employee productivity, and a 29% increase in profitability.*\u00a0\n\nThe Els for Autism Employment Program Team helps adults secure employment within the community while helping employers fill needed positions.\u202f\u00a0Work Experience (WE) Program\u00a0\u00a0\n\nCareer Exploration & Training (CET)\u00a0\n\nVocational Rehabilitation (VR) Vendor Services\u00a0\n\nAgency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Vocational Training &\u00a0Employment Services\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0*Data source: Inclusively & Autism Society\nU Can Employ\n\nU Can Employ (UCE), powered by Els for Autism, serves as a guide for businesses, large and small, to become autism inclusive employers. UCE services are designed to adapt to each member\u2019s needs and offers expert guidance, professional training videos, and on-site coaching.\n\nBy fostering an autism inclusive workplace, UCE aims to change the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide by initiating internal transformations within businesses.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-2.29.32\u202fPM-300x300.jpg","date_day":3,"date_month":"Jun","date_year":2025},{"id":47424,"postID":"f26e5f49-b5aa-529d-890b-04be21385b6c","postName":"Cooper Baumgart","postDescription":"Cooper Baumgart is a creative 8-year-old in Colorado with a passion for art. Art is in his genes; on his father\u2019s side there was a relative (Otto Stark) who was an impressionist painter, muralist, printmaker, and illustrator who lived from 1859-1926 and still has art displayed in museums.\n\nFrom a young age, Cooper discovered a love for painting that eventually turned into a passion for drawing and recently pottery. Cooper was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 5 but signs and struggles started 18 months prior to his diagnosis.\u00a0\n\nCooper is fortunate to attend traditional school and spend most of his days in the classroom with some support. The family also found a wonderful partner in ABA therapy that Cooper has gotten assistance from since he was 4 years old. Through therapy, Cooper has made outstanding progress in regulating emotions, transitioning between activities, eating more foods, improving speech and communication and compromise.\u00a0\n\nCooper\u2019s family is proud to share his artwork (most completed at age 7) with ELS for Autism where his aunt, Rachel Soler works.\u00a0\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_0058-300x300.jpeg","date_day":14,"date_month":"May","date_year":2025},{"id":45924,"postID":"ff50d360-2f49-26f3-fefc-da6404a28b51","postName":"Veterans Day Spotlight Honoring Steven \"Dutch\" Van Horn","postDescription":"\n\nThis Veterans Day, we are honoring a hero who has made a significant impact on Els for Autism. Steven \"Dutch\" Van Horn holds many titles: Veteran, Command Master Chief (SEAL Team Six), Autism Advocate, Friend to Ernie and Liezl Els, and Father to Hayden (name changed for privacy).\n\nDutch enlisted in the United States Navy in 1987, and in 1990, he began his Basic Underwater Demolition\/SEAL Training. After graduating and then serving on SEAL Team Two, he transferred to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six. During his time with SEAL Team Six, he held leadership roles including Assault Team Leader, Reconnaissance Team Leader, Assault Troop Chief, and Command Master Chief. Following the events of 9\/11, Dutch was deployed over 25 times in the support of the Global War on Terrorism. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with Valor, the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Extraordinary Heroism, and six Bronze Star Medals with Valor.\nTowards the end of his military career, Dutch\u2019s son, Hayden, was born. At age 3, Hayden was diagnosed with autism. While attending a training event in Ft. Lauderdale, Dutch was introduced to Ernie Els by a mutual friend. Already a fan of Ernie and now sharing the connection of raising a son with autism, Dutch quickly bonded with Ernie over lunch. After their initial meeting, Ernie took Dutch to see the property that would eventually become The Els Center of Excellence\u00ae campus.\nInspired to support Els for Autism, Dutch and several members of the Princess Anne Country Club founded the Princess Anne Country Club Pro-Am Invitational in Virginia Beach in 2017, where he currently lives. Ernie agreed to get involved under one condition: that proceeds from the event would benefit military families in addition to Els for Autism.\u00a0Last month, the 8th\u00a0Annual Princess Anne Country Club Pro-Am Invitational\u00a0took place. Over the years, the event has raised nearly $2 million, benefiting Els for Autism, Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater, the Virginia Autism Foundation, and SEALKIDS.\nAs for Hayden, Dutch moved his family to South Florida so his son could receive in-person services offered at The Els Center of Excellence campus. Hayden also attends the public charter school on the campus and enjoys participating in our after-school recreational programs. Dutch\u2019s daughter, Olivia, also participates as a volunteer at Els for Autism supporting the special events team.Today and every day, we are grateful to all Veterans, including Command Master Chief (SEAL) Steven \"Dutch\" Van Horn, for their service.\n","image":"https:\/\/www.elsforautism.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Red-and-Blue-Flag-Photo-Liberation-Day-Greeting-Twitter-Header-300x300.png","date_day":11,"date_month":"Nov","date_year":2024}]