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A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex

You Don’t Need to Open Your Wallet to Give

Posted on by fearghal

Christmas and Hanukkah are around the corner. Two major religious holidays that celebrate miracles and the ideas of gift-giving and charity, besides having a religious identity. As an organization devoted to charity, we at the Els Foundation stress exactly the importance of material giving but, even more than a simple cash donation, improving the lives of those with autism, holding up pillars in our community, and listening to those with the condition are also very important to us.

The donations that we receive also allow the Foundation to employ someone like me, an actual ASD personality, to write these blog posts, edit various important company manuals, and to serve as a role model to the community-at-large. It’s not just advocating from abroad, but advocating from home. Plus, the donations go to a state-of-the-art professional school, the Center of Excellence, whose purpose is to give autistic kids a sensory-friendly environment in which to improve on their skills and to get an education.

As many readers would know, autism was officially diagnosed by the U.S. Government in 1990, and Asperger’s, my condition, in 1994. Thus, because of the relatively recent nature of the condition, our mission is more experimental and cutting-edge than many organizations devoted to pursuing answers to different disabilities. It is up to potential donors to go to the oasis brands in the desert, especially in a county as large as Palm Beach, and to make history!

But, beyond autism, part of our mission is to create a more inclusive environment through the game of golf with #GameON Autism™ Golf. Golf is a huge industry, with lucrative careers and a thriving culture on the greens. Beyond that, the Els’ mission is to also pinpoint the strengths of golf as a source to challenge, and improve on disability. You don’t need to be an atlas to succeed in golf, which requires patience, practice, determination, perseverance and a connection to the soul of the sport. It could introduce an autistic individual to a new favorite sport, and, perhaps, could also give that same person a great and highly fulfilling livelihood.

Nonetheless, cash donations are not the only way to celebrate the spirit of this Foundation.

There have been many stories this past year that illustrate my point.-  A football player sitting with an autistic kid at lunch and a cheerleader asking an autistic kid to prom are two that come to mind.- These are individuals that use their prominence and positions within the greater community to help out those who may feel lonely or set apart from their peers. In the spirit of the holiday, perhaps consider helping someone who may be quieter or feel isolation and reach out to them. Who is outside of your typical friendship unit? Do you know someone who needs help? Just because someone doesn’t say a word, doesn’t mean that they are always comfortable or satisfied with the way everything is around them. Everyone appreciates a little kindness so pass it on!

If you have a friend with autism, take them out to enjoy and share an experience with them. Or, if you know someone who has a crush, offer to take them both out to the movies or a holiday parade, or perhaps take them to a dance, if the crush is with you. Tell the person on the spectrum how much you appreciate them, and for those of us with autism, I recommend trying something new.

Do something new. Be something new. Whether on the spectrum or not, we all can benefit from extra compassion and opening our hearts to others who need it most. Happy holidays to all. Thank you for joining me on the journey through this blog.  — Merrick Egber

Els for Autism Foundation’s Conference 2017 Autism Innovations and Global Impact: The State of the Science

Posted on by fearghal

Continuing Education credits (CE’s) to be offered free for conference attendees

Jupiter, Fla. (December 16, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation will host the Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference: The State of the Science to be held April 28th and 29th, 2017 at The Els Center of Excellence 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, Florida.

The conference sponsor, The Shanken Family Foundation, has underwritten the cost of all continuing education credits offered.  Continuing Education Credits from ASHA, BACB, FPA and NBCC pending:

  • American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) http://www.asha.org/
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB ®) – Applied Behavior Analysis http://bacb.com/
  • Florida Psychological Association (FPA) – http://www.flapsych.com/
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC ) – http://www.nbcc.org

In this inaugural two day scientific conference, renowned leaders in autism research, government, and service provision will gather to discuss the state of the science in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  They will discuss the impact of global autism research from a variety of perspectives including:

–          Learnings about the fundamental nature of autism from developmental neuroscience and neuroimaging

–          Challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis and care of those affected by autism

–          Contributions that longitudinal treatment studies can make in helping us understand the course of autism and enhance outcomes over time

–          Importance of autism research being a government priority

The cost for the two-day conference is $375 if participants register before December 31, 2016. After this date, the registration costs are $425.  For a full list of the conference speakers, world renowned experts in the field of autism, and to register for the conference and VIP dinner go to: www.elsforautismglobalconf.org

The Els for Autism Foundation operates The Els Center of Excellence, a 26-acre facility located in Jupiter, Florida, which houses a public charter school and provides a variety of services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families, including global outreach, education, therapy, recreation, research and adult services.  The Center also provides internships for college students and outreach conferencing services to enable professionals from the global autism community to gather and disseminate best practices.

Event Contact: 

Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations 

Els For Autism Foundation

Phone: 561-625-8269

Email: marlene.sotelo@elsforautism.org

 

Continuing Education Credits Contact:

Erin Brooker Lozott, Director of Clinical Services

Els for Autism Foundation

Phone: 561-320-9521

Email: Erin.Lozott@elsforautism.org

 

Media Contact:

Mariann Coleman, Marketing and Development Manager

Els for Autism Foundation

Phone:  561-309-4248

E-mail:  mariann.coleman@elsforautism.org

 

– ENDS –

Photography: Historical images for editorial use at: www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828.  Please contact the team for images following the event.
Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media:  Twitter  ▪  Facebook  ▪  Instagram  ▪  YouTube  ▪  LinkedIn  ▪  Blog

The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. To help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism continues to build out the state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

#GivingTuesday

Posted on by fearghal

Last year, more than 45,000 organizations in 71 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. Today, we invite you to join the movement!

1. Make a Donation
http://www.e4aannualgiving.org

2. Shop AmazonSmile
http://bit.ly/SmileAmazonEls

3. Gift a Customized Brick
https://www.brickorder.com/els/

There’s another FUN way to get involved this #GivingTuesday. Follow instructions, below, and print off your sign here: http://bit.ly/UNSELFIESteps.

Here are some examples from the Els for Autism Foundation staff!

“I give to Els for Autism so we can continue building on this beautiful campus!” -Nicole Poundstone, Els for Autism Events Manager

“I’m supporting Els for Autism because the foundation helps families locally and worldwide!” – Jackie Gilliland, Els for Autism Marketing Associate

Tag us in you posts and use the hashtags, below!

Facebook & Twitter Handle: @elsforautism

Instagram: els_for_autism

Hashtags: #GivingTuesday, #UNSELFIE, #ElsforAutism

Els for Autism Golf Challenge Raises Nearly $12 Million in Five Years

Posted on by fearghal

2015 Highest Fundraising Teams Announced at the Grand Finale in Las Vegas

JUPITER, FL, November 24, 2015 – Spearheaded by World of Golf Hall of Famer and Els for Autism Founder, Ernie Els, The Els for Autism Golf Challenge has raised nearly $12 million for autism thanks to over 9,000 rounds of golf and over 30,000 donations since its inaugural 2011 series. 2015 has been the most successful year to date with a total of $2.93 million raised from 25 events across the United States and Canada.

The Golf Challenge, an international, season long, amateur golf series comprising of 20+ events across the U.S. and Canada between May-October, hosted its 2015 Grand Finale at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas from November 13-15.  The funds raised from the annual Golf Challenge series are a major income stream for the Foundation’s capital campaign to build The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, a state-of-the-art Center with a local, national and global reach. The Center opened its first two buildings in August 2015 – the Lower School and Auditorium Building, and is now focused on raising the necessary funds to complete the 26-acre campus. Funds raised in Canada stay within the Canadian province in which they were raised.

Thanks to the Golf Challenge’s generous family of sponsors, led by Presenting Sponsor SAP, and Organizing Sponsors RBC, Wine Spectator and Adams Golf, the Grand Finale weekend itself proved an unforgettable experience for all the teams who stepped up to the challenge to help Ernie and Liezl build a more beautiful future for those with autism. Finalists experienced fabulous parties, had access to an autism conference and enjoyed tournament golf at the area’s most prestigious courses. They also had the opportunity to see Ernie in action at a Golf Skills Challenge, presented by the PGA TOUR.

Ernie announced the Highest Fundraising teams of the 2015 Els for Autism Golf Challenge in Las Vegas at a fabulous Awards Ceremony and Gala Celebration. The event, hosted by Presenting Sponsor SAP, celebrated 6 months of competition on and off the course and featured a performance by Grammy award-winning band, Train. This year, Tim Shreckengost and Steve Sheppard of Team Lucas’ Steps repeated their 2013 fundraising victory by again topping the tournament’s Donation Leaderboard with an incredible $58,165.00.  The entire family came up to the stage and were awarded ‘The Els Cup’ by Ernie and Liezl Els in the name of their Honorary Captain, Lucas.

The second highest fundraising team was Team Deersey, made up of father and son duo, Andrew and Joshua Deer of Fort Worth, TX. In third place was Team Chistay & The Doctor made up of Gary Chiste and Eric Wasylenko of Alberta, Canada, while an Honorable Mention went to Tanner’s Team made up of brothers

Gregory and Jeffrey Poor of Boston, MA. These teams were all on hand at the Grand Finale to accept their awards and were among a record 87 teams that qualified for the Grand Finale by raising or donating $13,000 or more.

A Fundraising Excellence Award was also awarded to Team Bajaj & Verma made up of Moe Bajaj and Vic Verma, of Dallas, TX in special recognition of them having raised over $100,000 in cumulative fundraising since the Golf Challenge series began. With the collection of this award, Team Bajaj & Verma, join Team Lucas’ Steps, Team Payton McGuire and Team White & Marcus in what has become known as the $100,000 club.

2015 was the inaugural year of the Els for Autism Spectrum Award, a new award that honors an individual with autism who has brought autism into a positive light via their character,  attitude and contribution.  This year’s winner, Joshua Deer, was announced to a standing ovation at the gala awards.  Joshua, who has been studying with the Golf Academy of America for an Associate’s Degree in Golf Management, has made an incredibly positive impact both as a player and major fundraiser in the Golf Challenge. Over the last two years Joshua’s Team Deersey has raised over $65k for autism and more recently he has given his time as a volunteer assistant coach at a number of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Clinics, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for the game of golf to other young people on the spectrum.

The top three low net teams at each of the Finale tournaments hosted at Bali Hai and Rio Secco, were invited to choose from a grab bag of amazing trips. Prizes included golf getaways to Ireland provided by IRISH LINKS, romantic escapes to Iconic Santorini; a boutique cave hotel in Greece; and stays at The Orchard Inn; a historic bed and breakfast in North Carolina. Players taking part in the Finale were presented with a luxury gift bag with items donated by the event’s generous sponsors, including a TaylorMade backpack, a dozen TaylorMade golf balls, a pair of custom-fitted Maui Jim sunglasses, a Fairway & Greene golf shirt, an Els for Autism I-ONICS Power Sport Band, a ball marker from EY, Magical Music For Life CD, snacks from Savor Street, a copy of ‘Two Good Rounds – Titans’ by Elisa Gaudet and the latest issue of Wine Spectator.  VIPS who had raised $30,000 or more and were part of the exclusive Golden Circle group also walked away with a Breitling backpack, Stable 26 footgear, a Steve Madden gift pack, a Cigar Aficionado all in one divot tool, and a gift pack from SAP with a golf towel, valuables pouch and shoe bag.

One of the Foundation’s Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Clinics was hosted at Rio Secco alongside the Finale tournament. Twentyyoung people from local autism schools were invited to take part in the clinic that was hosted by PGA REACH and Els for Autism. This introductory clinic was one of 26 clinics that were hosted at Golf Challenge host courses across the U.S. and Canada from May-October; providing nearly 400 children and adults on the autism spectrum access to FREE, tailored golf instruction and providing a great way for the local autism community to come together in each city.

A training session for 17 PGA golf instructors, from the local Las Vegas area, was also hosted by Els for Autism; giving instruction and guidance on how to run a successful #GameON Autism Golf Clinic and Program.

The Foundation’s 4th Annual Best Practices – Best Outcomes Conference, presented by Southern Company was also hosted at Mandalay Bay and attended by the player guests as well as parents and autism professionals local to the Las Vegas area.

Team Lucas’ Steps commented: “Every person at the Grand Finale as well as those that golfed in all of the challenges have the same goal in mind; we have each embraced autism with the desire to learn as much as possible and do everything we can to help our children. These children may never be able to show us what they feel or are thinking, but we hope that they know we are giving them every ounce of our love and support and are trying daily to find ways to make learning and socializing a little easier for them. With the Els’ vision this will become a reality. Thanks to everyone who has been part of our story and part of making dreams come true for children on the spectrum. A special thanks to Lucas, our Honorary Captain and the inspiration behind our team.”

Ernie Els, whose 13-year old son Ben is profoundly impacted by autism, and who set up the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife Liezl said: “A heartfelt thank you to all of our Golf Challenge teams and sponsors who have helped us start to deliver on our vision – our Golf Challenge family has been absolutely pivotal in getting the first two buildings open. A special thank you goes to the Golf Challenge’s long-term Presenting Sponsor SAP as well as our Organizing Sponsors – RBC, Adams Golf and Wine Spectator, our Contributing Sponsors, Regional Sponsors and our event chairmen – who together form the heart of the Golf Challenge series. A special nod to all of the Golden Circle teams and in particular the inspirational Lucas’ Steps whose passion and dedication every year never fails to amaze Liezl and I.”

He added: “The theme of this year’s Finale was ‘Celebrating Connections’ It was the perfect theme for the weekend as we celebrated the connections we are making with the local and worldwide autism communities, and the connections we have with our donor family. Every year we welcome new faces to the Finale event but it is truly awe-inspiring to see how many of our teams come back year after year to support us.”

Contributing Sponsors for the series include The Boeing Company, IRISH LINKS, Maui Jim, Southern Company, PGA TOUR, Summit Golf Brands, The Honda Classic, Rich Harvest Farms, Scarboro Golf & Country Club, Bali Hai Golf Club, Southwest Airlines, Hospitality America and Floridian National Golf Club.

– ENDS –

More Information
Visit www.elsforautism.org to find out more about the Foundation and how you can support Ernie’s efforts to make a difference in the lives of kids and families living with autism.

Website: www.elsforautism.org     Twitter: @ElsforAutism    Facebook: /ErnieElsGolf    YouTube:/ErnieElsChannel

Donations

To donate by check: make out checks to Els for Autism and address to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL. 33458.

To donate online visit: www.elsforautism.org

Contacts:             

Mary Kay Willson, Els for Autism   T: 561 252 6023 E: marykay.willson@elsforautism.org

Lucy Cotton, Els for Autism             T: 561 578 0532 E: lucy.cotton@elsforautism.org

Photography:

Can be downloaded for editorial use from: The Els for Autism Photo Gallery http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/ntKVW7di/1/7078065

The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben (now 13) was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. In the U.S., to help fulfill its mission Els for Autism is building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach and is in the middle of a capital campaign to finance the development. The first two buildings of the Center – the Auditorium Building and The Lower School opened on August 17, 2015

The Golf Challenge  – The Story so Far (since 2011)

  • $11.9 million has been raised at the Regional Events
  • 9,000+ rounds of golf have been played
  • 30,000+ donations have been made
  • 800+ children and young adults on the spectrum have been introduced to the game of golf via the Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Clinics
  • The series has been catalytic in terms of raising awareness of the Foundation and autism as a cause

Cinematic Autism

Posted on by fearghal

Movies are an essential part of my life as a human being today. Almost everyone, of any age, has an interest in a certain era or certain genre, and film has been long established as an art form that any type of person, from the hipster to the layman, can appreciate. Movies create larger-than-life personalities, introduce people to stories beyond their own, and can create stars through soundtracks and merchandise, too.

Because of its cultural appeal, I am not distant from a love of cinema, but what is even more interesting is that a current film riding high on the box office, The Accountant, deals with an autistic main character and a possible Oscar entry for best documentary. “Life Animated”, is about a boy who finds his and his family’s life changed when he gets regressive autism, which is when a neurotypical kid exhibits autistic symptoms all of a sudden. What better time, than now, to talk about the moving pictures?

My childhood, like many others, was influenced by the Disney movies I saw. Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast… those were the movies I got into and one of my favorites was The Lion King. I also absolutely loved Jim Carrey – Ace Ventura: Pet Detective– was my first live-action film, and Carrey was my favorite actor in the 90s. Graduating to more mature films was also quite easy, and eventually I got an appreciation of the film medium as much as any other, the artistry, and the unique genius in the world. Because I’ve always been interested in people, it is a way to understand people’s lives without becoming a voyeur, especially including documentaries.

Through seeing, probably, hundreds and hundreds of films of all kinds, I have movies I would call my favorites. My favorite genre of film has usually been the comedy, with the western almost being tied. In comedies, just being able to laugh in such a stressful situation during life is of high importance. The idea of recreating the freedom, liberation and beauty of a western landscape filled with little communities, and a timeless tale of good vs. evil is what I like about westerns. My favorite film, though, belongs to neither genre, and that is Psycho. Typically, a good horror movie isn’t always about scares, but about creating great characters through the twisting of humanity’s psychosis like Norman Bates or Freddy Krueger, in a way it may be the genre where the villain could matter more than the hero/heroine, almost creating an underdog mythos through a character with very few redeemable qualities. Psycho does all of that, especially with Anthony Perkins giving one of the best performances that I’ve seen in a film through the character of Norman Bates. Plus, Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors.

So what does this have to do with autism? Autistic individuals are generally into repetition which many films provide in a sometimes clichéd manner. This form of repetition makes it easier for us to understand. If the films aren’t completely adaptable to understanding every social situation, it doesn’t matter due to the visual importance of cinema, but they may still be able to learn important social skills, good and bad unwritten rules and proper behavior due to seeing good and bad examples onscreen. It also doesn’t require a lot of work to utilize, therein poor motor control has nothing to do with being able to enjoy a film.

But what may be the most important thing when it comes to autism and film is that it can allow neurotypicals the ability to understand autism in a way that they couldn’t otherwise, and for those with autism to look at role models, to even see their condition brought to a place from which very few social pillars can reach. Besides the confirmations that Daryl Hannah (Bladerunner) and Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers) are both autistic, there are many, many movies, of many different stripes, that all try to tell their version of the autistic story. Besides Rain Man (which is, probably, where many people first heard about autism), there is a Temple Grandin movie, The Story of Luke. Additional movies include Adam, The Big Short, The Imitation Game, The Social Network, A Beautiful Mind, and the list goes on and on. Particularly notable is the film “Change of Habit”, which was one of the earliest film treatments on the condition, and which stars Elvis Presley in a rare dramatic, and final, role. Due to  the era in which it was issued, its mentality on autism can be seen as very insensitive in light of more contemporary practices and views.

For years, I’ve loved cinema, and it is one of the best ways to bond with other people. You go to a theater, get some popcorn, sit in a nearby seat, watch a movie and you don’t have to worry about any social or communication faux pas as you, and another person, suck in the quality of whatever it is that you watch. Because these films move beyond whatever limitations you think you have, you can then socialize about something related to the subject, almost like you can love the film as if you weren’t autistic at all.

Important Message:

As an organization centered in the U.S., we are taking our time to celebrate one of the most important holidays that our fellow countrymen cherish, Thanksgiving. While being uncommonly filmed, those celebrating the holiday can still watch “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”, an excellent Thanksgiving-based comedy that is one of the few films that I’ve watched more than once. Have any other movies you’d recommend?  Share them in the comments below and follow us to stay in conversation. Have a happy Thanksgiving! — Merrick Egber

Els for Autism Foundation Presents the 2016 Autism Spectrum Award to Gloria Mendoza

Posted on by fearghal

The award honors an individual of any age on the autism spectrum who is a catalyst for a program or event that creates a more beautiful future for people with ASD through character, positive attitude, and contribution

Jupiter, Fla. (November 17, 2016) – Els for Autism presented the 2016 Autism Spectrum Award to Gloria Mendoza, SAP Autism at Work team member, on November 5, 2016.  Gloria was honored at the Las Vegas Grand Finale which concluded the 2016 Golf Challenge Series, the sixth annual largest international charity-driven amateur golf tournament.  The Spectrum Award honors an individual with autism spectrum disorder who has shined a positive light on autism through her character, positive attitude and contribution.

Gloria Mendoza is an amazing exemplification of these qualities. As a toddler, Gloria struggled with communication skills, but excelled in music. She demonstrated a keen interest in all types of music, so her mother enrolled her in piano and voice lessons at the age of seven years old. To the surprise of Gloria’s piano teacher, he discovered that she could easily sight read music with no previous training. He also discovered that she had perfect pitch. Gloria pursued her passion of music in college and earned a dual degree in Computer Science and Music from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. After graduation, Gloria joined SAP as an intern though the SAP Autism at Work program. After five weeks of Social and Enterprise Readiness training, Gloria joined SAP’s Mission Control Center Team.

 

Rob Enslin, President of Global Customer Operations describes Gloria’s responsibilities at SAP – “if you can imagine NASA [at] Cape Canaveral, we have a center in Newtown Square we call the Mission Control Center. It’s here that we monitor all our customer’s systems and when our customers need assistance, our engineers get engaged directly with them. This person is part of that team. Simply amazing. She has done an incredible job uplifting SAP, uplifting her colleagues, and being an amazing credit to society.”

 

Following her acceptance of the Spectrum Award at the 2016 Golf Challenge Finale Awards Ceremony, Gloria Mendoza performed Mozart’s Voi Che Sapete, commanding a standing ovation from all attendees. SAP’s Autism at Work Program plans to have 1% of the SAP workforce represented by people on the autism spectrum. The initiative currently includes over 100 colleagues in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, and the United States.

 

– ENDS –

Media Contact:

Jackie Gilliland, Marketing Associate 561-320-9515

jackie.gilliland@elsforautism.org

 

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at: www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828. Please contact after event date for photos and video to distribute.

 

Website: www.elsforautism.org

 

Social Media:  Twitter  ▪  Facebook  ▪  Instagram  ▪  YouTube  ▪ LinkedIn

The Els for Autism Golf Challenge

The Els for Autism 2016 Golf Challenge is the largest international charity-driven amateur golf tournament in history. The Golf Challenge was created by World of Golf Hall of Famer and four- time Major Champion, Ernie Els. It consists of a series of Super Regional events at top-rated courses across the United States and Canada from May through October. Since its inaugural 2011 series, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge has raised over $15.5 million for autism thanks to 9,800 rounds of golf and over 40,000 donations. The series has also helped raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder, which affects a staggering 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. For more information about the Golf Challenge, the Finale event, sponsorship opportunities, and registration information visit: www.e4aGolf.com

 

The Els for Autism Foundation

THE ELS FOR AUTISM FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2009 BY PGA TOUR GOLFER ERNIE ELS AND HIS WIFE LIEZL (RESIDENTS OF JUPITER, FL) SHORTLY AFTER THEIR SON BEN WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM. THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM FULFILL THEIR POTENTIAL TO LEAD POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE AND REWARDING LIVES. ELS FOR AUTISM HAS OFFICES IN THE U.S., CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, AND THE UK. TO HELP FULFILL ITS MISSION, ELS FOR AUTISM IS BUILDING A STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN JUPITER, FL, WITH A LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL REACH.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism Foundation, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Els for Autism and PGA National Collaborate on Hospitality Work Experience Program

Posted on by fearghal

Collaboration allows adults with autism gain valuable work experience, master social skills in the workplace, learn resume writing and interview skills
Jupiter, Fla. (November 14, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation announced a partnership with PGA National Resort and Spa to support its adult hospitality work experience program.  The program is available for adults with developmental disabilities who have completed high school. The collaboration allows participants to gain valuable work experience, master social skills in the workplace, and learn resume writing and interview skills.

“Research shows that adults with developmental disabilities experience social, communication and other life skill challenges, and have much higher unemployment rates than the general population,” said Dr. Kerri Morse, Adult Services Coordinator at the Els for Autism Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to PGA National for providing internship opportunities for our clients, and helping them to fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.”

“The noble goal of helping adults with autism to get meaningful employment experience and purpose in their lives is truly inspirational,” says Sheila Hills, PGA National’s Human Resources Training Manager / CGSP. “The work of Ernie Els and his foundation delivers countless blessings to families around the world and we here at PGA National are more than happy to help in any way we can.”

The Els for Autism Foundation operates The Els Center of Excellence, a 26-acre facility located in Jupiter, Florida, which houses a public charter school and provides a variety of services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and their families, including global outreach, education, therapy, recreation, research and adult services.  The Center also provides internships for college students and outreach conferencing services to enable professionals from the global autism community to gather and disseminate best practices.

– ENDS –

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at

http://bit.ly/PGAElsforAutismBanquet2016

www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828
Website: www.elsforautism.org

Twitter: @ElsforAutism      Facebook:/ErnieElsGolf       YouTube: /ErnieElsChannel 

 

The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. To help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

 

PGA National Resort & Spa

Fresh off its comprehensive multi-million dollar revitalization, PGA National Resort & Spa is a world-class golf, spa, vacation, and meetings destination. The South Florida locale offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses, including the famed Champion Course, home to the popular PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and several Senior PGA Championships.

PGA National features customized suites ideal for weddings, golf “buddy trips” and spa aficionados. Its numerous multi-use settings include a permanent, lakeside wedding venue with stunning vistas; scenic Lakeside Lawn perfect for receptions; iDeck – a new 3,000-square-foot terrace ideal for indoor / outdoor dining and entertaining; and the 19th hole bar and grill named “Bar 91.” Other distinguishing highlights include a new 33,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Sports & Racquet Club with 19 Har-Tru tennis courts; 40,000 square feet of self-contained conference and event space; and eight on-site restaurants and lounges.

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at http://www.pgaresort.com/new-press-gallery

Website: www.pgaresort.com

Twitter: @PGANatl Facebook: /PGAresort YouTube: /PGAResort 

Els for Autism Awarded $6,500 Grant From Autism License Plate Proceeds

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The grant will support the Special Adult Life Skills Academy, including culinary training and Ernie Els #GameON AutismTM Fitness

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pamela Minelli

Development Director

Els for Autism Foundation

561-320-9528

pam.minelli@elsforautism.org

elsforautism.org

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Els for autism Awarded $6,500 Grant from Autism License Plate Proceeds 

Jupiter, FL (November 9, 2016) – Els for Autism Foundation received a $6,500 grant from the Autism Services Grants Council.  The funds for this grant are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $64,300 in grants to 13 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for adults with autism and related disabilities. The grant will support the Special Adult Life Skills Academy, including culinary training and Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Fitness. 

“We are grateful to the Autism Services Grants Council for their support of our Special Adult Life Skills Academy,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations at Els for Autism. “Our hands-on program provides individuals who have significant support needs with a healthy eating and cooking program, along with a fitness component. The ability to prepare, serve, or purchase healthy meals, as well as the integration of a regular fitness routine, can be crucial to a healthy and more independent lifestyle for these adults.”

Earlier this year, Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and nearly 40 nonprofits applied for funding. Due to the success of last year’s grants and increased revenue provided by the sale of the “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, the Autism Services Grants Council was able to provide more funding to awardees this year.

In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.

For more information on the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, please visit www.autismlicenseplate.com. For more information about Els for Autism programs, please visit www.elsforautism.org.

 

About the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”)

In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty autism license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) to oversee a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state.  All funds raised by the ASGC are generated by the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates.  For more information visit www.autismlicenseplate.com and “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate. ARC Broward is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.

 

About the Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. To help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media:  Twitter  ▪  Facebook  ▪  Instagram  ▪  YouTube  ▪  LinkedIn

Autistic Athleticism

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Usually, theatergoers are attracted to those movies: films portraying underdogs competing in a professional sport, wherein the thrill of the sporting event has added dramatic elements that engage, and inspire, the audience watching the movie. There are movies about African-American athletes competing in the Jim Crow-era South, about mentally challenged athletes rising to their best through the sport, and there are even a few movies about autistic individuals, “A Mile in His Shoes” being one of them. But movies are all about the past, they are all about telling a story, fiction or non-fiction, about an individual who transpires to become the focal point of whatever movie they’re in due to their inspirational tendencies, usually filtered through a Hollywood filter, where everything becomes needlessly glamorized. Why not shine a light on the athletes, specifically athletes with autism, who are competing in the present?

My history in the realm of sports is very brief. I’ve always been a very slow runner with very low stamina, enough to where walking a mile would take an hour for me to complete, and I only got involved with the practice of sporting due to the requirements to do so until the end of the ninth grade. I did amass a short list of accomplishments throughout my trials in the world of sports, from becoming the “MVP” of a soccer league to taking out the champion wrestler at my High School, and I found some pride in succeeding in highly kinetic sports like Soccer and Hockey, but it never was a field that I was going to enter in. I do admire, though, those who make a field like that as their career, becoming more than just athletes, but historical icons.

And, yes, being a successful autistic athlete may be a little bit of a gift. While the diagnosis focuses, distinctly, on communication skills, delayed gross motor skills are also considered a common symptom of having ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). What are gross motor skills? According to the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health “Gross motor skills are the abilities required in order to control the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling, and other activities.” If you have Asperger’s Syndrome, for example, then the neurologists will say that one of the symptoms is in being clumsy, it is also thought of that early diagnoses of those with autism will find kids that cannot walk in a straight line towards the tester during some diagnosis tests. Thus, it is a lot harder to imagine anyone athletically active, and successful, who happens to also be autistic.

Well, while doing my research I actually did come across one such gentleman. The man’s name is John “Doomsday” Howard and he is a professional MMA fighter, specializing in kickboxing, who got the clinical diagnosis of autism. There are other MMA fighters with autism, like Serena “The Southpaw Outlaw” DeJesus and Connor “Captain Redbeard” Gross, but Mr. Howard actually has a record of participating in a few of the major league events held by the UFC organization.

In an interview conducted with him in July, John Howard admits that he was very interested in learning about his diagnosis, even if in his case it is “mild and low”, due to the “many variants” of the disorder, and that it cleared up any mysteries about his life, stating that it was “good to know”. To him, autism isn’t really a setback as much as it is a fact of life. He responds to a question I ask him referring to an article from 2013 written by Coach Doug DuPont who analyzes MMA as a good field for those who are autistic, and whether or not there is any truth to it of which he confirms for me that he is very good at repetition, not uncommon for those on the spectrum and that repetition is very important to the sport of MMA. He ended our conversation by noting his social media presence on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, just type in John “Doomsday” Howard on any of these platforms to find him.

In conclusion, you can be a successful athlete and still have autism. There is even a runner by the name of Michael “Mikey” Brannigan who has competed in the Paralympics and is so fast that he sees himself as competing in the actual Olympics in the future, and he is autistic. Just like any inspirational sports movie, it is not about genetic determinism or fate as much as the will of the player in competition or outside to change the course of history, and to declare victory in the arena of the sport. — Merrick Egber

The Els for Autism Foundation 2016 Golf Challenge Culminates on November 4 & 5 for Sixth Annual Las Vegas Finale

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3 Million Raised in 2016 and 15.5 Million Total Raised Since Established Six Years Ago

Jupiter, Fla. (Date) – The 2016 season culminates November 4-5 at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas for teams that have raised $13,000, in a two-day event hosted by Ernie Els and his wife Liezl. The Grand Finale winners receive special access to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open on November 4th, 2016 followed by a welcome reception hosted by the Els family. In conjunction with the PGA Tour tournament, The Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Clinic will offer a specialized orientation of golf to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for 18 participants from Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Southern Nevada (FEAT). On November 5th, 2016 finale participants will compete in a golf tournament at Wynn or Bali Hai Golf Clubs, followed by an awards ceremony in the evening with major prizes courtesy of IRISH LINKS. Els for Autism staff will host a full day Autism Seminar for BCaBA and BCBA professionals, who can earn Behavior Analyst Certification Board continuing education credits from 8:30 am to 4 pm.  An Autism Spectrum Award will be presented for the second year in a row recognizing Gloria Mendoza, the SAP Autism at Work participant, who is recognized for her demonstration of character, attitude, and contribution.

 

Ernie Els, whose 13-year old son Ben is who is affected by autism, founded the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife Liezl.   The couple said, “we could not be more grateful for the continued support provided by our friends and sponsors who participate in the Golf Challenge Series time and time again. We’ve had many new players, fundraisers, and sponsors join us this year in addition to our outstanding original family of advocates and we look forward to seeing the finale qualifiers in Las Vegas.  Thank you to everyone for your passionate hard work this year which enabled us to continue construction of The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL as well as provide a variety of new programs and services for individuals with ASD.”

 

The Els for Autism Golf Challenge

The Els for Autism 2016 Golf Challenge is the largest international charity-driven amateur golf tournament in history.  The Golf Challenge was created by World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els.  It consists of a series of Super Regional events at top-rated courses across the United States and Canada from May through October.  Over the 2016 series, a team’s fundraising ability is valued as much as their performance on the golf course. Teams have competed in a combined low-net event for a selection of first class regional prizes. The Gallery Club option is open to all individuals (non-players) who want to fundraise within their communities and join in the Finale event.

Since its inaugural 2011 series, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge has raised over $15.5 million for autism thanks to 9,800 rounds of golf and over 40,000 donations. The series has also helped raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder, which affects a staggering 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys.

National Organizing Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor, SAP, who also co-hosts the Grand Finale. The event would not be possible without the support of Wine Spectator, Adams Golf and RBC, who round out the National Sponsor family. With the generous support of these highly-regarded brands, the Golf Challenge continues its promise of funding development of The Els Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art autism center located in Jupiter, FL, and hub of worldwide operations for The Els for Autism Foundation.

For more information about the Golf Challenge, the Finale event, sponsorship opportunities, and registration information visit: www.e4aGolf.com

– ENDS –

Contact:
Mary Kay Willson, Tournament Director
561-252-6023
marykay.willson@elsforautism.org

Photography: Can be downloaded for editorial use at: www.elsforautism.phanfare.com/6828828.  Please contact after event date for photos and video to distribute.

Website: www.elsforautism.org

Social Media:  Twitter  ▪  Facebook  ▪  Instagram  ▪  YouTube  ▪  LinkedIn

The Els for Autism Foundation

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The Foundation’s mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. Els for Autism has offices in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and the UK. To help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is building a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Jupiter, FL, with a local, national and global reach.

Donations can be made online at www.e4aannualgiving.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism Foundation, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.