The 2020 Golf Challenge – Top Fundraisers

We were blown away by the support of the 2020 Els for Autism Golf Challenge participants, fundraisers and sponsors. Despite the challenging circumstances we faced this year, we are pleased to announce that the Golf Challenge raised a total of $2,027,784.

Congratulations to the top fundraising teams of 2020!

1st place: LUCAS’S Steps: $45,280.00

2nd place: Team Flagler/Rotondo: $32,700

3rd place: Team Hodes/Horan: $16,250

4th place: Gerrits Construction: $15,800

The 2020 winner of the Els Cup is Team Lucas’ Steps, whose team captains are Jim Blood and Dan Stanbrough. This year’s win makes the team three-time winners of the coveted Els Cup!

Spearheaded by Tracy Shreckengost, Team Lucas’ Steps became involved with Els for Autism in 2011–the very first year of the golf challenge. At the time, the team’s honorary captain, Lucas, was newly diagnosed with autism, yet the team instantly made an impression on everyone involved with the Golf Challenge.

The 2011 Golf Challenge

2020 Team Lucas’ Steps

“This family is very close to our hearts,” Liezl Els, Co-founder of Els for Autism said. “Despite challenging life circumstances, they are some of the most positive, fun and all-around good people I have ever met. They have certainly made an impact on us, and we are so thankful for their continued involvement.”

Over the years, Team Lucas’ Steps has been among the top grassroots fundraising teams, raising $356,000 for the Foundation. Although the teams take the fundraising and competition seriously, there is a wonderful camaraderie between the golf challenge participants.

“Because of the Golf Challenge, Lucas’ Steps has had the fortune to meet some amazing people that we would not have had the opportunity to meet. We have been able to visit, share stories and know that none of us are alone in our quest to help our children,” Tracy Shreckengost, of Team Lucas’s Steps said. “We all want our children to have the best possible life and to be able to shine their light to the world.”

The 2019 top fundraising team and three-time Els Cup winner, Tanner’s Team, will fondly pass on the trophy and bragging rights to team Lucas’ Steps.

Liezl Els, Tracy Shreckengost, Corinne Poor & Gregory Poor

“We have become close with Tracy & Tim and are so happy for them to finally win their third Els Cup. It has been a fun competition between our two teams to see who can raise the most money. That will surely continue as we both work toward our next Els Cup,” Greg Poor of Tanner’s Team, said. “Fundraising is hard work. Every team in the Golf Challenge should be proud of their fundraising efforts. Especially during these crazy times.”

“From the bottom of our hearts—thank you to everyone involved in the Golf Challenge for being on this journey with us,” Ernie Els, Co-founder of Els for Autism said. “Because of your support, we can help so many amazing people on the spectrum.”

Teams or sponsors who raised $15,000+ during the 2020 Golf Challenge Regional Event season will enjoy a two-day extravaganza of golf and entertainment hosted by Liezl and Ernie Els in the Bahamas in October 2021.

Are you up for the Challenge?!

We have some new and incredible courses on our 2021 schedule. View the full schedule and register here: http://e4agolf.com/Locations/Event-Schedule

Special thank you to SAP and Wine Spectator for sponsoring the Els for Autism Golf Challenge.