The 2023 Arcis Golf “Round Up For Els for Autism” campaign has raised more than $130,000 for the Els for Autism Foundation, with donations still coming in from clubs across the country. Els for Autism was founded by professional golfer and World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els and his wife, Liezl, and Marvin R. Shanken. The global mission of Els for Autism is to transform the lives of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those who care for them through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships.
Arcis Golf’s approximately 70 clubs and courses raised funds by encouraging members and customers to “round up” purchases of merchandise, food and beverage, or green fees to the nearest dollar as a donation to the charity. Many clubs also held special events and tournaments to support the “Round Up” campaign.
In late July, The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, outside of Seattle, hosted an Els for Autism Golf Challenge regional event that raised an additional $150,000 for Els for Autism. Financial contributions will be accepted through September 19, 2023, at 3PM EST, either through an Arcis Golf Club or via an https://bit.ly/3Y3gdFF.
Two private Arcis Golf clubs –The Club at Ruby Hill (California) and The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge (Washington)—each donated a full-year golf membership to be bid on at the Foundation’s auction, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Arrowhead Golf Club (Littleton, Colo.) and The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge (Snoqualmie, Wash.) have passed the $15,000 fundraising threshold, which qualifies them to attend the Els For Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida this October. This event celebrates the top fundraising teams and sponsors of the 2023 Golf Challenge season. Several other Arcis Golf clubs are nearing this milestone.
“Thanks to the generosity of staff, members, and guests at all our clubs, we are proudly supporting a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families for the fifth year,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Arcis Golf. “Ernie, Liezl, and their teams are leading the way improving children’s social, cognitive, and academic results through early intervention programs, furthering the skills of adults to obtain employment, and helping individuals of all ages feel included and welcomed to participate in recreational activities.”
Since forming the partnership, Arcis Golf has donated over a half million dollars to Els for Autism.
Ernie Els said, “By rounding up and engaging both Arcis’ members and guests in this simplest of actions, we can generate funds to make the world a better place for people with autism.” Partnerships with companies like Arcis Golf, says Els, are key to its success.
He is particularly excited by the late August grand opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida. “This facility is so important for adults with autism and will significantly increase the number of adults served in our adult programs and serves across the globe. “
With over 70,000 youth with ASD turning 18 every year, the increase in the prevalence of ASD combined with an aging ASD population underscores the need for programs and services tailored to individuals with autism transitioning into adulthood. To address these needs and support continued learning, engagement in the community, employment, and a productive and healthy lifestyle, Els for Autism offers a continuum of accessible services based on evidence-based practices to adults with autism across varying levels of support needs.
The “Round Up” initiative and partnership with Els for Autism Foundation is one of the numerous ways Arcis Golf promotes a corporate culture of giving and social responsibility. The company supports dozens of local, regional, and national causes, including education, health care, military, adaptive golf, community programs, and grow-the-game initiatives. “Since the company’s inception, we have been committed to the broader communities we serve,” concluded Walker.
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.