Prestigious conference attracts autism spectrum disorder experts from across the globe

JUPITER, Fla. (May 9, 2016) – Els for Autism is pleased to announce that two members of its clinical team, Erin Brooker-Lozott, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Jessica Weber, Ph.D., BCBA, were selected to present at the 2016 International Meeting for Autism Research(IMFAR) which will be held in Baltimore from May 11-14.

IMFAR is an annual scientific meeting convened each spring by The International Society for Autism Research, a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At IMFAR, researchers from around the world gather to exchange ideas and disseminate the latest scientific findings on ASD.

Ms. Brooker-Lozott, a speech-language pathologist who serves as Assistant Director of Clinical Services at The Els Center of Excellence, will conduct a poster presentation titled, “Using Technology to Create Sustainable Systems of Support for Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder“.  The research was conducted in collaboration with the Marcus Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Weber, who serves as Behavior Services Coordinator at The Els Center of Excellence, will conduct a poster presentation on “Evaluating the Role of Social Approach Behaviors in Language Development“. This project was funded in part by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and was completed in collaboration with faculty from the University of Miami.

“It is an honor for Els for Autism to be represented at IMFAR, a world-renowned autism research conference,” said Marlene Sotelo, Ed.D., BCBA-D, MT-BC, Program Director at Els for Autism. “We are delighted to exchange ideas with many of the top researchers working on autism spectrum disorder.”

About The Els for Autism Foundation

Els for Autism was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. Its mission is to help people on the autism spectrum lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. In August 2015, the foundation inaugurated the first phase of The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida, a 26-acre campus with a public charter school and a state-of-the-art conferencing facility to facilitate the dissemination of best practices to a global audience. Construction on an upper school, adult services and expanded sports facilities began in spring of 2016. Els for Autism operates in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, and its Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf program, which uses the sport as a life skills development tool, is now offered in more than two dozen locations. For more information, please visit www.ElsForAutism.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Media interested in information on the Els for Autism Foundation should contact Hilda Mitrani (305-992-3475, hilda.mitrani@elsforautism.org) or Jackie Gilliland (561-320-9515, jackie.gilliland@elsforautism.org).

$100,000 Grant Supports Nurses Station and Healthcare Training Program

Jupiter, Fla. (March 7, 2016) – The Els for Autism Foundation announced that it has received a challenge grant for $100,000 from The Batchelor Foundation to support its nurses station and healthcare training program. The funds will be applied towards health services for students attending The Learning Center at The Els Center of Excellence, as well a training program for nursing students, nurses and parents.

“Research shows that children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience complex health needs that pose challenges to parents, school staff and medical professionals,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Program Director at the Els for Autism Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to The Batchelor Foundation for this generous grant, which, when matched, will provide nursing services for students as well help increase knowledge of ASD and related care for local families and nursing professionals.

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 on the autism spectrum and their families including global outreach, early intervention, behavioral, and arts programs. 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.

The funding deadline for the match is August 31, 2016.

Established in 1990, The Batchelor Foundation supports numerous programs, organizations and projects benefiting the environment, including research and education programs and those focused animals, wildlife and natural resources.

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

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.

Provident Jewelry Holiday Party Benefiting Els for Autism

JUPITER, Fla. (December 12, 2015) — More than 300 guests enjoyed an exciting evening at  the annual holiday event hosted by Provident Jewelry and sponsored by Palm Beach Illustrated, which raised $10,000 for the Els for Autism organization.  Held at the Jupiter Showroom, the evening featured exciting specialty drinks from Perfect Vodka and a selection of the world’s most extraordinary timepieces and exquisite luxury jewels.

All proceeds from the silent auction, prize draw and putting contest went directly toward the Els for Autism organization. Provident Jewelry also made a contribution to the organization to those in need and to help further the cause.

“Els for Autism was excited to team up with Provident Jewelry and Palm Beach Illustrated for their annual holiday party” said Liezl Els, Founder. “This event gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise money for the programs and services we provide at The Els Center of Excellence located right here in Jupiter.”

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl shortly after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism.

Els for Autism envisions itself as being a game-changing resource in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder, delivering and facilitating the delivery of programs that are leading examples of what should be available to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder across the world. Through commitment to learning and the sharing of best practices, Els for Autism envisions being a driving force in helping people on the spectrum, around the world, realize their potential and individual aspirations and become valued and productive members of welcoming communities.

“We were thrilled to partner with Els for Autism and their fantastic team for our annual Holiday Party,” said Seth Berman, Managing Partner of the Provident Jewelry, Jupiter location. “We understand at Provident Jewelry how important it is to support local charities and businesses.”

With a legacy of prestige for the past two generations, Provident Jewelry has served South Florida as one of the leading jewelers for more than 22 years with locations in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Naples, Fort Myers and Palm Beach. Provident Jewelry has an extensive selection of the finest vintage and contemporary jewelry including new and certified pre-owned timepieces.

For more information about Provident Jewelry, please visit www.providentjewelry.com or (888) 888-GEMS.

 

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Payne Stewart Award Announced

Ernie receives this award for his devotion to improving the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder (Els for Autism) as well as development of junior golf talent in South Africa (Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation). Ernie will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 22, in conjunction with the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola in Atlanta and televised live on Golf Channel as part of a GolfCentral special from 7-8 p.m. ET.

The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a professional golfer who best exemplifies Stewart’s steadfast values of character, charity and sportsmanship. Stewart, an 11-time winner on the PGA TOUR and World Golf Hall of Fame member, died tragically the week of the TOUR Championship in 1999. That week in tribute to Payne, many golfers competing in the TOUR Championship, including Ernie, wore his signature attire of plus-fours.

Southern Company, the “Official Energy Company of the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour,” was the TOUR Championship sponsor the year of Stewart’s passing. A year later, the PGA TOUR created the Payne Stewart Award in his honor, and Southern Company has supported the annual presentation since its inception. Past winners have all distinguished themselves through their respect for the game, the TOUR’s tradition of charity and their ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

“I have so many fond memories of Payne and always had the greatest respect for him as a golfer and as a person and I think this award is a wonderful way to honor his memory and the values that he stood for,” commented Ernie. “To be considered worthy of receiving such an award makes me feel proud and very humble. It really means a lot. Of course, the work that we do is a massive team effort and I thank my wife Liezl and everyone at the foundations for their work and commitment as well as all the individuals and corporations that support us in helping improve the lives of kids, young adults and families who need and deserve our help. Thank you also to everyone at the PGA TOUR and to Southern Company for the incredibly generous donation that will help us in our ongoing mission to support causes close to our hearts.”

“Ernie is a legendary figure in our sport, both on and off the golf course,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “His 70 victories across the globe speak for themselves, but his commitment to using his talents and celebrity to improve lives has made him a true Hall of Famer. It’s only fitting that we announce this award on the heels of an amazing milestone in his charitable work through Els for Autism, as Ernie and Liezl celebrated the grand opening of the first two buildings of The Els Center of Excellence on Monday.  The number of lives that will be – and have already been – impacted through his passion and dedication to this cause is immeasurable.  Ernie’s name belongs on the roster of distinguished names who have won the Payne Stewart Award before him, and he sets a high bar for those who aspire to be named after him.”

Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said, “Southern Company is proud to join the PGA TOUR in recognizing Els for making a difference beyond the golf course. Ernie’s commitment and leadership in serving others align with our company’s values and honors Payne Stewart’s enduring legacy.”

In addition to a sculpture by Bob Pack presented to the recipient, the Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant made possible by Southern Company. The $500,000 grant supports several initiatives in Stewart’s name and is distributed as follows: $100,000 to Payne and Tracey Stewart’s primary charity, The Stewart Family Foundation; $100,000 in Stewart’s honor to The First Tee of the Ozarks located in Missouri at Kids Across America, which is affiliated with Kanakuk Kamps; and $300,000 to a charity designated by the winner. Els has chosen Els for Autism and the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation.

Els is the 18th recipient of the award, joining a distinguished group of respected golfers including Sir Nick Faldo, who was recognized in 2014, and the inaugural recipients Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer (2000). Other recipients include Peter Jacobsen (2013), Steve Stricker (2012), David Toms (2011), Tom Lehman (2010), Kenny Perry (2009), Davis Love III (2008), Hal Sutton (2007), Gary Player (2006), Brad Faxon (2005), Jay Haas (2004), Tom Watson (2003), Nick Price (2002) and Ben Crenshaw (2001).

See the PGA TOUR Press Release here.

Ernie & Liezl Els last night led a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of the first two buildings of their state-of-the-art Center, focused on improving the lives of individuals with autism.

Jupiter, Fla. (August 18, 2015)  – “This Center is amazing and special just like us,” summed up Zack Poerio, who delivered a passionate and flawless address on behalf of students from The Learning Center at The Els Center of Excellence, at last night’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Zack, who along with over 100 other students attended his first day of school at the brand new Center yesterday, added: “ Thank you Ms. Liezl and Ernie for fighting for us – you are my heroes! Lets make this the best school in the world!”

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which was attended by donors, local supporters, dignitaries and media celebrated the official opening of the first two components of The Els Center of Excellence – The Lower School and The Els Center of Excellence Auditorium Building. Among the special guests included PGA TOUR players Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Robert Allenby who came down to support their friend and fellow player. Honored guests included Palm Beach County Commissioner Hal Valeche, as well as Mayor Karen Golonka and representatives of the Town of Jupiter. Representatives from the offices of Congressman Patrick Murphy and Representative MaryLynn Magar, also attended the event and a special U.S. flag presentation to The Els Center of Excellence was made by Congressman Murphy’s office as part of the ceremony.

Guests were welcomed to the ceremony by Kerry Kruckel, Executive Director for the Foundation and Master of Ceremonies for the occasion. First to be introduced was Giuseppe Ciucci, Chairman of the Els for Autism Board who thanked the attending dignitaries and guests and described the project as “mission impossible that became mission possible!”

Next to speak was Palm Beach County Commissioner, Hal Valeche, a staunch supporter of the project since its inception. Commissioner Valeche stressed the positive impact that the Center will have on the local community:

“I am so proud to have a facility like this in my community. This is a transformative event both for the autism community and for the neighborhood – the local community of Limestone Creek.” He added: “Thanks to the Els family for having the vision.”

Last to speak were Ernie and Liezl Els, the Founders of the Els for Autism Foundation, and parents of Ben, 12, who has autism and attends the new school.

Ernie opened with the acknowledgement that getting the Center built “took a lot of effort from a lot of people “but that “a lot of families are going to benefit from this Center.” He went on to thank all the individuals and organizations that had made building the Center possible but stressed that the facility was not complete and that they still have “a long way to go” – with the next goal to build the Upper School and all of the sports and recreational facilities.

Liezl Els, credited by her husband as “the power behind this whole thing,” went on to speak movingly about seeing their dream of a world-class Center for Excellence come to fruition. Liezl explained their goal was “to make our Center and programs accessible to people around the world.”

“This Center is going to give our children the space to explore and express themselves. Over time they have had to make do with whatever they could get,” Liezl explained “We wanted to build a facility where these kids could realize their potential…and so that we could show the world just what our kids are made of, how strong they are, how talented they are and how far they can really go in life and what a massive contribution they can make to society.”

She added: “We have so many plans. Program-wise, our aim is to service the whole family across the full life span and construction wise we plan to build on all 26 acres of this campus, with the next components to go up being the golf practice facility and the Upper School building.”

Liezl thanked her husband for providing the golfing platform by which the Foundation was able to raise so much of its funds. She said: “A huge thank you for not only what you have given our child but the kids out there in the community and across the world.”  Liezl also made special mention of Ben’s 16 year old sister Samantha, who Liezl told guests, “helps her brother Ben find his way every-day,” and exemplified the integral part that siblings play in the lives of children with autism.

After the ribbon was cut by Ernie and Liezl, guests had the opportunity to tour the facility, enjoy musical performances in the auditorium by Reese Carpenter and Carlos Bosso, and talk to Els for Autism staff and teachers from the Lower School about the new Center and the programs and services it will provide.

The Learning Center, which opened yesterday is a public charter school with capacity for up to 150 children from ages 3-14, and, in-line with the entire campus, has been designed to create a learning environment specifically suited to children on the spectrum.

The ceremony also marked the opening of the state-of-the-art Auditorium Building, specifically designed to help facilitate the dissemination and gathering of applied research findings and best practices with the global autism community. The building, which includes a hi-tech, 300-seat auditorium equipped with space for programming staff, visiting scholars, professionals and researchers, will be the base from which the Foundation will develop and roll-out innovative, evidence-based programs focused on individuals with autism, their families and the professionals that work with them across the U.S. and internationally.

These two buildings are the first components that are being delivered of a 26-acre campus that, once complete, will include an Upper School (with capacity for an additional 150 students ages 14-22), extensive sports and outdoor recreational facilities (including a gymnasium, swimming pool, golf practice facility, athletics field, play courts and sensory garden and pavilion), a cafeteria, a medical and professional services building and an adult services component. Even before the dedicated buildings are in place the Center will bring together the critical elements of early intervention, education, sports and leisure, applied research, transition to adulthood, medical and professional services, and adult services all on one campus.

The Foundation’s fundraising campaign is now focused on raising the capital to complete the Upper School, the sports facilities, the medical and professional services building and the adult services component. Donations can be made online at www.elsforautism.comand 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.

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

Website: www.elsforautism.com      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 (now 12) 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 new Center will welcome the first students through the doors on August 17 the first day of the school year

Jupiter, Fla. (August 11, 2015) – The Els Center of Excellence, currently being built in the heart of the Limestone Creek area of Jupiter, FL, will welcome its first students on Monday August 17th when it opens the first two components of the Center – The Lower School and The Els Center of Excellence Auditorium Building. The milestone will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday evening led by Ernie and Liezl Els and attended by major donors, local supporters and media.

The Lower School, that will be known as ‘The Learning Center at The Els Center of Excellence’, will provide public charter school education for up to 150 children from ages 3-14, and, in-line with the entire campus, has been specifically designed to create a learning environment that is suited to children on the spectrum. This includes features such as special LED lighting to mitigate behavioral issues that can be triggered by standard fluorescents; specially designed learning labs for life-kills and vocational training; and a sensory integration room to foster sensory and motor development. Through the use of interactive technology and observation rooms the Lower School will also provide an invaluable resource for applied research studies, allowing resident experts, visiting scholars and researchers to examine issues and develop practical approaches to the wide range of challenges that individuals on the spectrum face.

The delivery of the state-of-the-art Auditorium Building, specifically designed to help facilitate the dissemination and gathering of applied research findings and best practices, will enable the Foundation to take its global outreach activities to the next level. The building includes a 300-seat auditorium equipped with video-conferencing technology, a green-room, 3 smaller video-conferencing suites and additional office space to house the Els for Autism Foundation development and programming staff, visiting scholars and researchers.

Groundbreaking took place for the Lower School and Auditorium Building in March 2014. These are the first components that are being delivered of a 26-acre campus that, once complete, will include an Upper School (with capacity for an additional 150 students ages 14-22), extensive sports and outdoor recreational facilities (including a gymnasium, swimming pool, golf practice facility, athletics field, and play courts), a cafeteria, a medical and professional services building and an adult services component.

Even before the dedicated buildings are in place the Center is bringing together the critical elements of early intervention, education, sports and leisure, applied research, transition to adulthood, medical and professional services, and adult services all on one campus. Having all the essential elements on one campus, with the integrated programing and continuity of service that this allows, will not only be a tremendous resource for the children in the local area of Palm Beach County, but positions the Center as a game-changing resource for autism. Using the Center as its base Els for Autism will be developing and rolling out innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the life span. These programs are focused on making best practices in education and therapy available to children, families and autism experts not just locally but across the U.S. and internationally.

Els for Autism co-Founder, Ernie Els, said: “This dream has been in the pipeline since 2009 and on Monday, when the first kids walk through the door, that dream will become real. It’s going to be a very special day! We have only reached this point thanks to the collective support of a huge number of individuals and organizations. Whether people have donated $1 or $1million everyone who has supported us has literally been a building block for this Center.”

Liezl Els, co-Founder of the Foundation added: “From the beginning we knew we wanted the Center to be much more than a school, we wanted it to be a game-changing facility that would positively impact the autism community far and wide so, as well as opening the Lower School, we’re really looking forward to rolling out our global programs. We have a great team in place to do this and some exciting programs in the pipeline! On the construction side, our work is not finished.  We’ve made great progress opening these two buildings but we are now focused on raising the capital to build the Upper School and remaining elements of our vision.”

The Foundation’s fundraising campaign is now focused on raising the funds to complete the Upper School, the sports facilities, the medical and professional services building and the adult services component. Donations can be made online at www.elsforautism.com 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.

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

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

Contact: Lucy Cotton, Els for Autism, T: 561 578 0532, E: lucy.cotton@ernieels.com

Teams play major courses, win major prizes and support a major cause

JUPITER, Fla. (June 16, 2015) – The ‘Els for Autism Golf Challenge,’ the brain-child of World of Golf Hall-of-Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, will stage one of its 20+ Regional events on Monday, August 10, at Chambers Bay, Washington. Amateur golfers are being invited to take up the ‘Challenge’ by registering two-person teams for the event and in doing so raise funds for Els for Autism. Registration is $500/player and includes golf, a welcome lunch, a sunset awards dinner overlooking Puget Sound, an exclusive Els for Autism Gift Bag and the chance to win great prizes. Teams can register online at: www.elsforautism.com/chambersbay

The Chambers Bay event is one of over 20 events being staged at top-rated courses across the U.S. and Canada between May and October, as part of the largest charity-driven, national golf series in the North America, which culminates in a Series Finale in Las Vegas in November. Chambers Bay features towering sand dunes, massive fairways, and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Located in University Place, Washington, this 18-hole, walking-only course provides an authentic links experience for players of every ability. This week, the course will test the pros as the 2015 U.S. Open makes its Pacific Northwest debut at Chambers Bay.

The Washington event is being supported by our Gold level sponsor, The Boeing Company, the world’s leading aerospace company and largest private employer in Washington state. The event is being chaired by Matt Laukaitis, a senior executive at SAP; the Presenting Sponsor of the Golf Challenge Series.

On the day of the tournament the club will also host a free Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Clinic hosting local children with autism through a partnership with the Autism Society of Washington and The First Tee of South Puget Sound. Made possible by support from PGA REACH, The First Tee, The Honda Classic, Adams Golf and Southwest Airlines, these clinics are specifically designed for individuals on the spectrum and use golf as a medium to develop life skills, encourage social interaction and promote healthy living.

In this event series, a team’s fundraising ability is valued as much as its performance on the golf course.  Teams will compete in a combined low-net event for a selection of regional prizes and all teams that raise $13,000 or more will join Els and his friends from the PGA TOUR at the Series Finale in Las Vegas in November, where major prizes will be up for grabs, including trips to Ireland and Greece.

Ernie Els, whose 12-year old son Ben is profoundly impacted by autism, and who set up the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife Liezl, is appealing to golfers to get involved:

“We are delighted to celebrate the fifth year of the Golf Challenge with our family of dedicated sponsors, players and donors. The Foundation has taken massive strides forward in the last year thanks to the support of some amazing companies and people who have taken this cause to heart; many of whom have connected to us through the Golf Challenge. It has been pretty amazing to witness the vision that Liezl and I had of creating a world-class Center start to take shape, and we are so excited to be welcoming our first students through the doors this August and taking our global outreach programs to the next level.  Our event at Chambers Bay, which has the generous support of my on-course sponsor, Boeing, offers amateurs the chance to test their skills at this year’s US Open venue while supporting a cause that impacts one in 68 children.”

Els added: “In addition, the Golf Challenge has already touched a lot of people through the #GameON Autism Golf clinics. This year, not only will we once again be holding clinics at every Golf Challenge venue, we have also launched a pilot that will help us develop #GameON Autism Golf into a comprehensive program so that more individuals with autism can have access to golf worldwide.”

A family of highly-respected global brands are supporting Ernie in his philanthropic efforts through the 2015 Golf Challenge. Organizing Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor, SAP; Adams Golf, RBC and Wine Spectator.  The Challenge is also supported by an impressive team of Contributing Sponsors including: Boeing, ECCO, Hospitality America, IRISH LINKS, Maui Jim, Southwest Airlines, and The Honda Classic.

Chambers Bay joins a selection of first-class courses, PGA TOUR stops and Major hosts including; Floridian National Golf Club, FL; Harbour Town Golf Links, SC; TPC Boston, MA; and Baltusrol Golf Club, NJ. For more information about the Golf Challenge, the full events schedule and to register visit: www.e4aGolf.com

Since the inaugural 2011 series, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge has raised over $9 million for autism thanks to 7,500 rounds of golf and over 17,500 donors pledging funds. The series has also helped raise awareness of a disorder that that now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys.

The Els Center of Excellence

Funds raised from the Golf Challenge go towards the creation of The Els Center of Excellence; a state-of the-art autism center that will bring together the critical elements of early intervention, education, applied research, transition to adulthood, medical and professional services, and adult services all on one campus. The Center will host an education program for 300 children on the autism spectrum ages 3-21 and will be a hub for Els for Autism’s multi-faceted global outreach program that will make best practices in education and therapy available to children, families and autism experts both across the U.S. and internationally.

The Center is on track to welcome its first students in August this year when it opens The Lower School and The Els Center of Excellence Auditorium Building.  These are the first components that are being delivered of a 26-acre campus that, once complete, will also include an Upper School, extensive sports and outdoor recreational facilities a cafeteria, a medical and professional services building and an adult services component.

 

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

Donations

• To donate by check: make out checks to Els for Autism and address to: Els for Autism, 3900 Military Trail, Suite 200, Jupiter, FL 33458
• To donate online visit: www.elsforautism.com

The Els for Autism Foundation
Was established in the US in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben (now 12) was diagnosed with autism. Els for Autism has foundations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa and the U.K. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.  In the U.S., to help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is currently 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. In addition, the Foundation recently introduced Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf, an initiative focused on using golf as a life skills development tool.

• Foundation website:           www.elsforautism.com
• Golf Challenge website:      www.e4agolf.com.com
• Facebook:                             /ErnieElsGolf
• Twitter”                                  @ElsForAutism

Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf
Developed by Els for Autism in collaboration with PGA REACH and The First Tee, #GameON Autism Golf is focused on

building self-esteem and confidence in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment; encouraging participants to learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts. In Spring 2015 Els for Autism launched a nationwide pilot for the program; with over 100 children in seven cities across the U.S. taking part.  The program consists of nine group lessons and takes four and a half weeks to complete with golf lessons taking place twice a week. Each session has a specially designed lesson plan that delivers golf instruction paired with specific autism focused learning concepts.  The pilot, supported by PGA REACH and a grant from New York Collaborates for Autism, is an important step towards developing what began in 2013 as one-day, one-off introductory clinics that ran alongside the Foundation’s annual Golf Challenge fundraising series, into a comprehensive and measurable program that can be, ultimately, rolled-out nationally and internationally.

SPONSORS

• REGIONAL:

Boeing (www.boeing.com)

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.. With more than 162,000 employees worldwide, Boeing provides products and support services to customers in 150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

•        NATIONAL:

SAP (www.sap.com)
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 195,000 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably

Adams Golf (www.adamsgolf.com)
Adams Golf, maker of the No.1 Hybrid on Tour, offers a complete line-up of innovative, easy-to-hit products for golfers of all skill levels. Follow Adams on Twitter @AdamsGolfInc and #ElstoAdams

Wine Spectator (www.winespectator.com)
Wine Spectator, published 15 times per year, illuminates and educates wine lovers and epicureans. Wine Spectator is renowned for its in-depth wine tasting reports and Buying Guide, travel and fine dining features, chefs’ menus, personality profiles and thought-provoking editorial.

RBC (www.rbc.com)
As one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, RBC is among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market capitalization. It employs approximately 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries.

Contributing Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors for the series include Boeing, ECCO, Hospitality America, IRISH LINKS, Maui Jim, Southwest Airlines, and The Honda Classic.

Els for Autism launches pilot series for its Ernie Els #GameON Autism (TM) Golf Program – a specialized program aimed at using golf as a life skills development tool for individuals on the autism spectrum

Jupiter, FL. (May 14th, 2015) – Els for Autism has, this spring, launched a nationwide pilot for the Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf Program. The #GameON Autism Golf Program is aimed at developing life skills, encouraging social interaction, and promoting healthy living through golf for individuals on the autism spectrum.  Each session is designed to help build self-esteem and confidence in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment; encouraging participants to learn golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts.

The comprehensive program, which has been developed by Els for Autism with support from PGA REACH and thru a grant from New York Collaborates for Autism from the proceeds of Comedy Central’s 2012 Night of Too Many Stars, utilizes multiple evidence-based practices, identified by the National Professional Development Center on Autism. It consists of nine group lessons and takes four and a half weeks to complete with golf lessons taking place twice a week. Each session has a specially designed lesson plan that delivers golf instruction paired with specific autism focused learning concepts, including: communication, regulatory, motor and social skills.

Over 100 children in seven cities across the U.S. will take part in the pilot program that runs from the end of April through 2015.  In each pilot city Els for Autism has selected a host golf facility, golf partner, and autism partner who the Foundation will be working with during the pilot program. Pilot locations include: The Palm Beaches, FL; Northern New Jersey, NJ: Boston, MA; Princeton, NJ; Hilton Head, SC; Austin, TX; and Chicago, IL.

The pilot program is the first step to developing what began in 2013 as one-day, one-off clinics that ran alongside the Foundation’s annual Golf Challenge fundraising series, into a comprehensive and measurable program that can be, ultimately, rolled-out nationally and internationally. The data and feedback that comes out

of this pilot series will be used by the Foundation to fine-tune the program and ensure it is a robust supplemental intervention for individuals on the spectrum that can be replicated in other locations.

“To have golf used as an effective supplementary therapy for people with autism is a pretty exciting concept for me and I have been lucky enough to have seen first-hand the incredibly positive effect that the one-day golf clinics can have on participants. Our end goal is to develop #GameON Autism Golf into a comprehensive program that can be rolled out so that more individuals with autism can have access to this specialized program world-wide. The pilot series is a crucial step in helping us reach that goal.” Said Els for Autism Founder, Ernie Els.

He added: “We are so grateful for all the support we have received from the organizations and individuals that have helped us develop #GameON Autism Golf as an initiative over the past couple of years, in particular PGA REACH and New York Collaborates for Autism who have enabled us to develop and implement this pilot series for the program.”

PGA REACH Director, Scott Kmiec commented:  “PGA Reach’s ultimate aim is to positively impact lives through golf and this philosophy is what underpins the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf ™ Program. With one in 68 children now impacted by autism this program has the potential to ultimately reach a huge number of people. We are extremely proud to be working with Els for Autism and its partners on this pilot series, which we believe is an important stepping stone on the path to developing this into a national and even international program.”

“Sports and other recreational activities can be the bridge to creating meaningful connections for people with autism to others in their life. NYCA is grateful that Ernie Els and his foundation have used their expertise to teach people with autism how to play golf and thereby engage with others through the game,” said Ilene Lainer, President, New York Collaborates for Autism.

Els for Autism is thankful to all of the organizations and individuals that have supported the development of the #GameON Autism Golf initiative over the last couple of years to get it to this stage, in particular: the PGA of America, PGA REACH, The First Tee, U.S. Kids, The Honda Classic, New York Collaborates for Autism, Adams Golf and Southwest Airlines.

Donations to the Els for Autism Foundation can be made online at: www.elsforautism.com

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

Donations 

• To donate by check: make out checks to Foundation Controller, 3900 Military Trail, Suite 200, Jupiter, FL 33458
• To donate online visit: www.ElsForAutism.com

The Els for Autism Foundation
Was established in the US in 2009 by PGA TOUR golfer Ernie Els and his wife Liezl (residents of Jupiter, FL) shortly after their son Ben (now 12) was diagnosed with autism. Els for Autism has foundations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa and the U.K. The Foundation’s overarching mission is to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.  In the U.S., to help fulfill its mission, Els for Autism is currently 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. In addition, the Foundation recently introduced Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf, an initiative focused on using golf as a life skills development tool. www.ElsForAutism.com

The Els for Autism Golf Challenge

Spearheaded by World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major champion Ernie Els, the Golf Challenge was first launched in 2011 as the largest charity driven, amateur golf tournament in history. The event series is one of the main annual fundraising initiatives of the Els for Autism Foundation. In 2015 it consists of 20+ regional events at top-rated courses across the U.S. and Canada from May through October with a Finale in Las Vegas in November. Full event schedule at: www.e4aGolf.com

PGA REACH

Is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. By aligning with the 41 PGA Section offices and charitable partners throughout the United States, PGA REACH positively impacts lives through golf. The programming created and supported by PGA REACH focuses on serving three key pillars: youth, military and diversity/inclusion. PGA REACH works daily to support the efforts of PGA Professionals nationwide and the PGA’s spectator championships to make a difference in local communities. PGA REACH programming ensures that regardless of your age or your background, cost will never inhibit one’s involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf.

www.pgareach.com

New York Collaborates for Autism (NYCA)
Is a non-profit organization that strategically designs and launches innovative, one-of-a-kind programs to improve the lives of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Using an entrepreneurial approach, NYCA seeks to transform the current landscape of autism services and challenge the status quo by creating programs and opportunities that empower people with ASD to live fulfilling and joyful lives. NYCA collaborates with national thought leaders, partners with leading community-based organizations, provides tactical expertise and critical early-stage management, and raises vital seed money. NYCA sees the possibilities and creates the path.

www.nyc4a.org