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 are sharing 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 you donate will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $18,000!
Why Recreation?
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.
Help us reach our goal of raising $18,000 by GivingTuesday
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.
As we countdown to GivingTuesday, we have shared 18 ways we support autistic individuals through our recreation programs. Help us reach our goal of raising $18,000 – which now will be matched – by giving today!
Current Progress $18,000
18 Ways we support autistic individuals through our Recreation Services
