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 31 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

    Els for Autism is excited to invite the local community, along with our clients, staff, and supporters,
    to our sensory-inclusive, family-friendly FALLoween Festival! This festive event will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at The Els Center of Excellence® from 9 AM to 12 PM.

    Join us for a morning filled with fun, including a sensory-friendly ‘Haunted Hallway’ entrance, a costume contest, carnival activities, light bites from the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, trick-or-treating, and so much more. While admission to the FALLoween Festival is free, we encourage a $10 donation per family. Don’t miss out on this spooktacular celebration!


    Sign up Today

    Spooky Supply Drive

    Help Els for Autism create a fang-tastic event by participating in the Spooky Supply Drive! Click here to assist us in securing essential supplies.

    Supplies Needed:

    • Individually wrapped nut-free candy & snacks
    • Candy alternatives such as pretzels, fruit snacks, cookies, granola bars, etc.
    • Halloween-themed decorations & games

    Secure Your Sponsorship Today!

    Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the FALLoween Festival will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. Sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $5,000, with each contribution directly benefiting individuals and families affected by autism worldwide. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching over 300 attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 31 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities and benefits.


    Become a Volunteer!

    Our FALLoween Festival is all about fun, community, and inclusivity! We need your help to make this spooky event a success. Volunteer roles are the backbone of FALLoween, and we invite you to join us in creating a seamless (and slightly spooky) experience! Click here to check out the various volunteer positions available and be a part of this fang-tastic fall festival.






      Golf Challenge Series

      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 $44.2 million, supporting our vision of creating limitless possibilities for individuals with autism.


      Register Today

      Current Progress $3,565,000


      2026 Schedule

      1. Mon March 16, 2026 Scottsdale AZ
      2. Sun May 10, 2026 Orlando FL
      3. Mon June 8, 2026 Minneapolis MN
      4. Mon June 22, 2026 Gladwyne PA
      5. Mon June 22, 2026 The Woodlands TX
      6. Mon July 13, 2026 Westchester IL
      7. Mon July 20, 2026 Gladstone NJ
      8. Mon August 10, 2026 La Jolla, CA
      9. Mon August 31, 2026 University Place WA
      10. Mon August 31, 2026 Cromwell CT
      11. Thurs September 17, 2026 San Francisco CA
      12. Mon Sept 21, 2026 Jupiter FL
      13. Mon October 5, 2026 Las Vegas NV
      14. Tues October 13, 2026 Roswell GA

      2026 Grand Finale


      JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS AND SPONSORS OF THE 2026 GOLF CHALLENGE SEASON AT THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH!

      Teams, sponsors, and affiliate events who raise $15,000 or more during the 2026 Golf Challenge regional event series will enjoy a two-day extravaganza of golf and entertainment. 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 2-4, 2026

      Location: Palm Beach, Florida

      Hotel: The Breakers Palm Beach

      Golf Course: To be announced

      Invitations to the Grand Finale Include:
      • Welcome Party for all guests
      • Awards Ceremony and Gala Celebration for all guests
      • Entry to Grand Finale golf tournament for golfing guests
      • 2 nights complimentary accommodation (based on double occupancy) for teams who raise $15K and for Silver level sponsors
      • Gift Bag for each golfing guest
      VIP Golden Circle Invitations to the Grand Finale Include:
      • Golden Circle event for all VIP guests
      • Welcome Party for all VIP guests
      • Awards Ceremony and Gala Celebration for all VIP guests
      • Entry to Grand Finale golf tournament for VIP golfing guests
      • Additional round of golf for VIP golfing guests
      • 3 nights complimentary accommodation (based on double occupancy) for teams who raise $30K and for Gold, Platinum, and National Sponsors
      • Gift Bag for each golfing guest
      Fundraising Deadline

      All teams will have until the fundraising deadline on September 30, 2026 by 3 PM to qualify for the 2026 Grand Finale by raising at least $15,000. First Place Low Net Team winners from each U.S. regional event will have until the fundraising deadline to raise $7,500 to become eligible to attend the Grand Finale.



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



      Click here to view the 2026 Golf Challenge Sponsorship Brochure
      View Media Kit




        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



        Click here to see photos from previous Tea Parties!