A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

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

Recreation Complex

18 Days of Giving

Help us build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex


Friday, November 15 was National Philanthropy Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the charitable efforts that make a difference in communities worldwide.

To mark the occasion, Els for Autism launched “18 Days of Giving” to count down to GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 3. Held every year, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.

One way Els for Autism is making a difference in the autism community is through our recreation services. Co-founded by former World No. 1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, Els for Autism is transforming the culture of sports, particularly golf, for individuals with autism.

Since a round of golf has 18 holes, every day for 18 days, we shared on our social media channels how we support autistic individuals through our recreation services.

Our goal for GivingTuesday was to raise $18,000 to support the capital campaign to build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex. However, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous couple, every dollar donated was matched, raising $36,000 to support the building of our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.

givingtuesday tennis - Ernie and Ben

Ernie Els & son, Ben

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Why Recreation?  

givingtuesday tennis
givingtuesday basketball
givingtuesday golf

Research has shown that recreation, particularly sports, can be an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with autism. The extensive recreation programs offered by the Els for Autism Recreation Team include a variety of sports and creative arts activities on our campus, as well as virtual groups available online. One of the programs developed by our team is the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports program, with our signature program being Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf.

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program integrates evidence-based practices for teaching golf to individuals with autism. It’s unique in combining physical activity with methods that teach communication, social, and self-regulation skills.

As a result, individuals who participate in our recreation programs are beginning to feel included and welcomed to engage in recreational activities, visit public places, and even take lessons or group classes with their local sports professionals.



What’s Inside the Recreation Complex  

As we continue to change the culture of sports and recreation for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, we need your help! To expand our recreation offerings, we are fundraising to build a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex. Once completed, our recreation complex will feature a gymnasium, named by Stanley Black & Decker, an aquatic center, and a splash pad.

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our GivingTuesday Goal   

As our team continues to change the culture of sports and recreation for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, we need your help! To expand our recreation offerings, we are fundraising to build a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex that will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad. With these features, we will be able to offer a dedicated indoor space for activities during inclement weather and provide water safety and drowning prevention for our clients.

Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.


Current Progress $18,000

18 Ways we support autistic individuals through our Recreation Services









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Giving Tuesday

18 Days of Giving

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our GivingTuesday Goal

As our team continues to change the culture of sports and recreation for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, we need your help! To expand our recreation offerings, we are fundraising to build a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex that will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad. With these features, we will be able to offer a dedicated indoor space for activities during inclement weather and provide water safety and drowning prevention for our clients. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex. Learn more about how you can help build our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.


Current Progress $18,000
Learn More