April is World Autism Month, with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Join Els for Autism in Celebrating World Autism Month: Creating Opportunities for Inclusion and Acceptance for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
As we celebrate World Autism Month this April, Els for Autism invites individuals and families to join us in our mission of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with ASD.
Through our comprehensive programs and services spanning a lifetime, the Els for Autism team empowers individuals with ASD and their families to thrive.
This World Autism Month, we are highlighting the remarkable journey of Els for Autism Advisory Board Member Connor Sturgis who was recently recognized by Publix for his tenure. In the last 11 years at Publix, Connor has earned several promotions and now holds the job title of Customer Service Representative.
“Connor’s opening line to me many years ago was ‘I get to go to work every day,’” said Els for Autism Co-Founder & Honorary Chair Marvin Shanken. “How many employees say, ‘I get to go to work every day?’”
Recognizing the importance of inclusive programs, Connor has embarked on a mission to raise $100,000 for adult services offered by the Els for Autism team. We invite you to join us in supporting Connor’s endeavor by helping him achieve his fundraising goal.
Click here to make a donation!
We are thrilled to offer a limited-edition World Autism Month shirt and hat. Take advantage of our bundle offer by purchasing both for $36 to represent the 1 in 36 children who identify with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)*.
*Based on data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023.
World Autism Day in our Cafe
April 2nd from 7:30am to 2pm
To celebrate World Autism Day on Tuesday, April 2, Els for Autism will open the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els to the public, with Connor as our honored guest. Located at The Els Center of Excellence® campus in Jupiter, Florida, our cafe not only offers delicious meals, snacks, and specialty drinks
(see menu) but also is a vocational lab for clients in our Adult Day Training (ADT) program. Additionally, the cafe serves as a meaningful place of employment for an autistic adult and is one of our Work Experience (WE) sites, where adults are learning essential employment skills specific to the food industry. Join us for a memorable World Autism Day celebration in our cafe, and don’t forget to wear blue!
Galley at Hilton West Palm Beach
Every Thursday in April from 5pm to 10pm
Els for Autism is partnering with the Galley at Hilton West Palm Beach to celebrate World Autism Month. Visit Galley any Thursday in April, and Els for Autism will receive 10% of all sales made that day.
Galley’s Dine for a Cause highlights local organizations raising awareness and funds every Thursday of select months, with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to that month’s organization. Since its inception, Hilton West Palm Beach has raised over $100,000 for charitable organizations throughout Palm Beach County. The initiative was created to support the community while offering diners an opportunity to come together for a great meal and conversation.
Wine Down for a Cause at Rembar
Every Wednesday in April from 5pm to 10pm
Wine Down for a Cause at Rembar every Wednesday in April, where 25% of the specialty wine menu will benefit Els for Autism.
Awe in Autism at The Gardens GreenMarket
April 7th & 14th from 8am to 1pm
Once again, Els for Autism will host “Awe in Autism” at The Gardens GreenMarket, showcasing handcrafted items from local micro-businesses made by individuals with ASD. Els for Autism microbusiness, Sea of Possibilities, will be one of the many vendors selling their products.
Prezzo
April 8th – 14th from 11.30am to 10pm
Experience a week-long culinary journey at Prezzo Palm Beach Gardens from April 8th to 14th, where every bite and sip counts towards a meaningful cause. Indulge in fresh Italian dishes and creative cocktails, knowing that 10% of all food sales and 100% of the specialty drink, Prezzo’s Hard Tea, sales will be donated back to Els for Autism. Join us in making a difference, one delicious meal at a time!
1000 North
April 14th from 11am to 3pm
Join 1000 NORTH for Brunch. Bubbles. Beats. Featuring DJ Adam Lipson on Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. benefiting Els for Autism.
Address: 1000 US-1, Jupiter, FL 33477
Reservations are strongly encouraged as there will be limited seating.
Call 561-570-1000
Rembar 2nd Anniversary Celebration
April 16th – 20th from 5pm to 7pm
Rembar is celebrating its second year by hosting a VIP week benefiting Els for Autism. Every night, a new celebrity bartender will be attending, with our very own Sea of Possibilities Microbusiness Specialist, Julie Lobdell, bartending on Thursday, April 18th!
Sip and dine on the special happy hour menu, with 100% of the sales from the menu benefiting Els for Autism.
Sip, Shop & Share!
April 18th from 12pm – 7pm
Shop brand new summer bags & scarves!
10% of every purchase will be donated to Els for Autism
2151 US Highway 1, Jupiter
All welcome!
Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K
April 20th starting at 8am
The 5th annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K benefiting Els for Autism®, features a course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, a 160-acre natural area preserve. 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 children, families, and non-competitive runners. This 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, a morning you won’t want to miss!
Lynora’s Jupiter and PapiChulo Tacos Jupiter
April 24th from 6pm to 9pm
Delight your taste buds at the collaborative giveback events hosted by Lynora’s Jupiter and PapiChulos Tacos Jupiter. Enjoy the rich flavors of either Italian delicacies or Mexican favorites (or both!) while contributing to the support of individuals impacted by autism. With 10% of all proceeds going to Els for Autism, every dish you savor contributes to a worthy cause.
Lilly Pulitzer at the Gardens Mall
April 25th from 1pm to 5pm
Join Els for Autism for an afternoon brimming with style and giving back!
Els for Autism invites you to Lilly Pulitzer in The Gardens Mall for a Shop & Share event on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 5 PM. Explore a beautiful assortment of stylish dresses, fashionable accessories, and so much more – there’s something to suit every taste! With each purchase, you’re taking a meaningful step towards supporting individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
10% of all processed to benefit Els for Autism.
Golf Challenge Regional Event at Bear Lakes Country Club
April 29th starting at 11:30am
Wrapping up World Autism Month, Els for Autism will host our Golf Challenge Regional Event at Bear Lakes Country Club, featuring a special Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic for adults in our ADT program. “We are providing a unique opportunity for individuals with autism to play on a top-rated golf course while golfers, participating in our Golf Challenge, tee off,” said Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC, Executive Director of Els for Autism.
Since its inception in 2011, the Golf Challenge has raised over $37 million to support programs and services offered by the Els for Autism team.
The Aesthetics Lounge
April 30th from 5pm to 8pm
Treat yourself or a loved one to a little pampering while giving back. Take advantage of the following specials:
- New Client Toxin Special $9/unit
- Purchase a package of 3 PRX Peels, and get a free Hydrafacial
- $199 Hydrafacials
- Purchase a package of 3 Sylfirm Microneedling treatments, and get one area of Botox free!
- 15% off Alastin Products
15% of all sales donated to Els for Autism.
Arcis
Round Up 4 Els for Autism
For the 6th year, Arcis Golf is partnering with the Els for Autism Foundation during World Autism Month. Purchases—including merchandise, food and beverage, and golf—made by Arcis Golf club members, guests, and patrons are “rounded up” to the nearest dollar with the round-up amounts donated to Els for Autism. Additionally, each facility is free to stage its own events such as a golf tournament, fun run, casino night, fashion show and more to raise funds that directly impact the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
E.P. Carrillo Cigars
In the spirit of the Pledge Prequel earning a 98 rating when it was selected as the Cigar of the Year in 2020, E.P. Carrillo Cigars will be donating $9.80 for each box of Pledge Prequel cigars sold throughout the month of April.
Troon
Donate your _______
During this month-long initiative, patrons of Troon-managed facilities are encouraged to participate in the fundraising campaign ‘DONATE YOUR ____’ by making a financial contribution matching their Clubhouse dining bill, greens fee, score from their game of golf, tennis, or pickleball, or by making a heartfelt donation.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend these events. For inquiries, please contact Rachel Soler at Rachel.Soler@ElsforAutism.org or 812.550.4353.
About Els for Autism Foundation®
Established in 2009 by World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, his wife, Liezl, and honorary chair Marvin R. Shanken, the Els for Autism Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers through comprehensive lifespan services and collaborative partnerships. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by ASD, which affects 1 in 36 children in the U.S. Els for Autism has provided services to autistic individuals, families, and professionals in 31 countries around the globe. In addition to its U.S. location, Els for Autism has foundations in Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
