One in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Signs of autism begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.

Els for Autism, headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, is a game-changing resource, delivering and facilitating programs that are leading examples of what can be available to people with ASD.

World of Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els and his wife Liezl founded the organization in 2009 to raise awareness for the disorder after their son Ben was diagnosed at age five. The initiative has grown into The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, a world-class facility offering leading-edge programming for individuals with ASD aged 16 months through adulthood in the focus areas of education, research, global outreach, recreation services, therapy, and adult services.

The Dormie Network Foundation is proud to partner with Els for Autism as we support their impact in the community and worldwide. In 2020 alone, the Foundation’s in-kind donations raised thousands of dollars for the Els for Autism Foundation through elevated and exclusive in-kind donations used at fundraising event auctions, providing support for programs and services.

The Els for Autism Golf Challenge is one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournament series across the country. As one of the nine Series sponsors of the Golf Challenge, Dormie Network has donated a stay-and-play package for auction at all 15 regional events. As a result, Els for Autism has seen a considerable increase in funds raised due to event guests’ significant interest in the items.

“The Dormie Network’s generosity has made a true impact. The auction items have increased overall audience appeal and total revenue of our event auctions, which is great, because funds raised directly impact the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism,” said Jennifer Nicholas, Events Coordinator for Els for Autism.

“Our event guests have been thrilled to have the opportunity to experience all that the Dormie Network properties have to offer, and supporters who have been fortunate enough to win a Dormie Network stay and play package have raved about their experience.”

Through fundraising, community partnerships, and exceptional programs and services, Els for Autism will continue to help those with autism fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive, and rewarding lives.

Learn more about Els for Autism or the Dormie Network Foundation.

Els for Autism Mission: The Els for Autism Foundation is committed to better understanding the aspirations of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and helping them to fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives, through:

Understanding the nature of ASD and facilitating the development and delivery of treatment therapies, educational programs, training programs, and recreational programs as well as independent living programs
Ensuring the development of global outreach that will facilitate the sharing of best practices and programs
Raising awareness and promoting the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with ASD