Blake Walker, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Arcis Golf, presented the check to Ernie during this year’s Boeing Classic, which has become something of a tradition. Arcis Golf’s nearly 70 private, resort and daily fee clubs raised the 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 campaign.
Speaking at the check presentation, Ernie said: “We’re blessed to have a great ally in Blake. I mean, when we first met he was ‘all-in’ from the get-go and we are so grateful to him and to all the members at Arcis Golf who continue to support Els for Autism and help make the world a better place for people with autism. This is the fifth year of our partnership, the fifth year of the ‘round-up’ initiative, and we’ve raised $650,000 now. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed by rounding-up their bills; it may seem like the simplest of actions, but look how much it adds up to. It’s incredible! Hopefully we can keep this going for many years to come.”
Arcis Golf’s individual clubs have made additional, significant contributions. The Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton, California, is hosting an Els for Autism Golf Challenge Regional Event on August 26. Since 2011, the Golf Challenge regional event series has been one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournaments in North America, raising over $37 million in support of individuals with autism around the globe.
Signature of Solon Country Club in Cleveland, OH has achieved 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 November. This event celebrates the top fundraising teams and sponsors of the 2024 Golf Challenge season. Several other Arcis Golf clubs are nearing this milestone.
“The generosity of the members, guests and staff at all our clubs contributes to a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families,” said Blake Walker. “Els for Autism is leading the way to transform the lives of people with autism, helping individuals of all ages feel included and empowered.”
Walker also noted that Arcis Golf is supporting a new program, U Can Employ™ powered by Els for Autism, which equips companies with the essential tools and strategies to seamlessly integrate autism inclusion into the company’s fabric, ensuring businesses can recruit, hire, onboard, and retain autistic employees. By fostering an autism inclusive workplace, U Can Employ aims to change the employment landscape for individuals nationwide. With over 70,000 youths with autism turning 18 every year, the increase in the prevalence of autism combined with an aging autism population, underscores the need for programs and services tailored to individuals with autism transitioning into adulthood.
This fall, a pilot program will be launched at The Club at Weston Hills, an Arcis Golf facility in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area, where autistic adults will work in golf maintenance, operations, retail, or food and beverage.
The “Round Up” and “U Can Employ” partnerships with Els for Autism Foundation are two 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.
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.
