As has become customary at the Boeing Classic every year, Arcis Golf Founder, Chairman and CEO Blake Walker met with Ernie on August 7 to hand over a check for $200,000 to Els for Autism. It represents the proceeds from the company’s annual ‘Round Up for Els for Autism’ campaign, whereby members and customers at Arcis Golf’s 88 golf courses simply round-up purchases of merchandise, food and beverage, or green fees, to the nearest dollar as a donation to the charity.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Blake Walker and everyone at Arcis Golf for another incredibly generous donation,” commented Ernie. “It brings the company’s cumulative donation to around a million dollars since we began this initiative six years ago. Blake is a great friend, actually we’re like family, and it’s always a privilege for me to accept a check from him on behalf of everyone at our foundation. It means so much to us.”
Els for Autism was established in 2009 by Ernie, his wife Liezl, and Marvin R. Shanken. The non-profit organization offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the lifespan. Els for Autism serves families worldwide, offering virtual services and in-person programs at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida. On August 17, 2025, the campus will celebrate a decade of providing programs and services to the autism community.
“Whatever we can contribute to provide support and advocacy for Els for Autism is vitally important in the quest to ensure people with autism thrive, lead fulfilling lives, and reach their potential,” commented Blake Walker. “The work Ernie, Liezl, and the organization are doing is having a profound impact on a global level, and we take great pride in partnering with them in this collaborative endeavor.”
Walker noted that Arcis Golf supports Els for Autism in other ways. U Can Employ™, powered by Els for Autism, 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. The Club at Weston Hills, an Arcis Golf facility in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, is a U Can Employ partner, having completed the program and hired an individual with autism. Arcis Golf will continue to scale U Can Employ across its portfolio, with Hunt Valley Country Club in Baltimore as the next club to participate.
By fostering an autism inclusive workplace, U Can Employ aims to change the employment landscape for individuals nationwide. With more than 70,000 youth with autism turning 18 each year – and a growing autistic population entering adulthood – the need to educate employers and build inclusive workplaces has never been more urgent. Preparing today’s workforce to understand, support, and retain autistic talent is essential to meet the needs of future employees.
Later this month, Els for Autism will break ground on a new Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex on their campus. The complex will include a Gymnasium, Aquatic Center, and Splash Pad. Participating in recreational activities is critically important for people with autism and other developmental disorders. Exercise produces emotions of achievement and enjoyment, promoting inclusion, self-confidence, and an increased quality of life.
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com; to learn more about Els for Autism, visit www.elsforautism.org.
