A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

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

Recreation Complex

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K + Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course

taking part in roots & ruts

The Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Run/Walk is both a fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by autism and a celebration of the strides our community continues to make in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.


Register Today!

Runners/walkers will start the race at The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida, and will continue through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, the first certified autism-friendly trail in the state of Florida, and end back at The Els Center of Excellence. Racers will encounter multiple ground surfaces throughout the race, such as pavement, gravel, sand, grass, as well as roots and ruts, so we encourage each runner/walker to be cautious and aware of their path during the race.  

The Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course is perfect for all ages and abilities! The course will feature obstacles that involve jumping, balancing, crawling, and more. 

Join us at the Post-Race Expo, where we will have vendor booths consisting of micro-businesses with products created by individuals with autism, race sponsors, and autism employment partners. The Expo will also have performances, activities, race awards, and more! 

Event Schedule

7:00 AM: Parking Opens at The Els Center of Excellence
7:45 AM: Welcome Announcements & National Anthem
8:00 AM: Race Begins, Post-Race Expo Opens, Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course Opens
11:00 AM: Race & Other Activities Close

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!

Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 300+ attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.


Click here to view photos from previous Roots & Ruts events!




    FALLoween Festival

    FALLoween Water tank

    We had another great turnout at our 2024 FALLoween Festival on our campus. Thank you to everyone to came out to enjoy all the festivities. Also a huge shoutout to all our volunteers and sponsors for making this day so special for our community.

    Check out the photos from our 2024 FALLoween Festival.

    Stay tuned for announcements regarding our 2025 FALLoween Festival.





      Golf Challenge 2025

      Spearheaded by Former World No.1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els, the Golf Challenge consists of a series of regional events at top-rated golf courses across the U.S. and Canada from March to October.

      The Els for Autism Golf Challenge is one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournaments. Since its inception in 2011, the Golf Challenge has raised over $40.6 million, supporting our vision of creating limitless possibilities for individuals with autism.


      Register Today

      Current Progress $3,565,000


      2025 Golf Challenge Schedule

      1. Mon March 10, 2025 Scottsdale AZ
      2. Mon May 5, 2025 Palm City FL
      3. Mon June 2, 2025 Gladwyne PA
      4. Mon June 9, 2025 Gladstone NJ
      5. Mon June 9, 2025 Duluth GA
      6. Mon July 14, 2025 Westchester IL
      7. Mon July 28, 2025 University Place WA
      8. Mon August 4, 2025 University Place WA
      9. Mon September 8, 2025 San Francisco CA
      10. Mon September 15, 2025 Frisco TX
      11. Mon Sept 16, 2024 Westchester IL



      2025 Grand Finale

      Teams, sponsors, and affiliate events who raise $15,000 or more during the 2025 Golf Challenge regional event series will enjoy a two-day extravaganza of golf and entertainment. Those who raise $30,000 or more during the 2025 Golf Challenge regional event series will receive an extra night of hotel accommodation and a letter and gift from Ernie Els. All guests are welcome to attend a welcome party, awards ceremony, and a fabulous gala celebration. Click here to visit the Grand Finale website to learn more.

      Dates: November 6-8, 2025

      Location: Nassau, The Bahamas

      Hotel: Grand Hyatt Hotel at Baha Mar

      Golf Course: Royal Blue Golf Course

      See. below for images of our past Grand Finale events!



      Thank You to Our Sponsors!


      Click here to view the 2025 Golf Challenge Sponsorship Brochure




        Liezl Els’ Annual Tea Party

        Each year, two hundred women are invited to join Liezl Els in celebrating different cultures around the world at Liezl’s Annual Tea Party. At the event, guests will indulge in delicious regional-themed foods and experience the unique features of each county through decor and entertainment. This exclusive luncheon event has grown incrementally each year – raising over $250,000 in a single afternoon. The Tea Party will raise funds through sponsorships, table sales, the purchase of prize drawing tickets, and an elite silent auction. 

        On Monday, March 17, 2025, Liezl Els will host her 14th Annual Tea Party fundraiser. Throughout the years, Liezl’s Tea Party has become a cherished tradition, offering a cultural journey through various themes like Greece, India, Morocco, South Africa, Australia, and more. We are thrilled to unveil the theme for 2025: Ireland! We hope you will join us for a can’t-miss celebration! 


        Click here to purchase pre-sale prize drawing tickets!

        Liezl Els' Annual Tea Party : Journey to Ireland

        Secure Your Sponsorship Today! 

        Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of Liezl’s annual Tea Party will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 200 attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities and benefits.



        Click here to see photos from previous Tea Parties!