‘Tee-off for Autism’ golf tournament generates nearly $7,000 for adults with autism

More than 60 golfers participated in the third annual “Tee-off for Autism” golf tournament to raise critical funds for Devereux Pennsylvania’s Bridge Fund.

The golf tournament, organized in partnership with T.J. Schneider, generated nearly $7,000 for adults with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities.

More than 60 golfers showcased their swinging, driving and putting skills at the Jeffersonville Golf Course in Norristown, Pa., this fall for the third annual “Tee-off for Autism” golf tournament to raise critical funds for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania’s Bridge Fund.

The Bridge Fund helps adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other disabilities – served by Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program (CAAPP) – bridge the gap between high school graduation and adult programming to ensure there is no lapse in service.

The golf tournament, organized in partnership with T.J. Schneider, generated nearly $7,000 for the Bridge Fund.

Golfers included former Philadelphia Flyers team member Riley Cote; former Philadelphia Eagles players Brent Celek, Tra Thomas and Todd Herremans; and a team comprised of staff from the Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services center.

“I am extremely grateful to T.J. Schneider and our wonderful and hard-working CAAPP staff who spent so much time working to ensure this event was a huge success,” said Devereux Executive Director of Autism Services and event co-organizer Dr. Todd Harris. “This year, between the ‘Face-off for Autism’ hockey tournament in April and the golf tournament, we raised more than $50,000 for the Bridge Fund to help adults lead more productive and fulfilling lives.”

About the Bridge Fund

Harris noted that youth with ASD and other disabilities receive fully-funded services while they are attending school. When schooling ends – either at graduation or when the individual turns 21 – their federally-mandated services end.

The Bridge Fund allows individuals in Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties to continue to receive community, employment and behavior services – through CAAPP – as they transition into adult programming. The Bridge Fund also sponsors social events and activities throughout the year.

“In the past year, we attended a Philadelphia Phillies game, the Great Philadelphia Comic Con, and even hosted a Halloween party,” shared CAAPP Community Outreach Coordinator Sasha Birosik. “These types of events and activities help our individuals get out in the community and develop social skills. Due to the success of fundraising events like this one, we are able to sponsor additional opportunities each year for our individuals to enjoy.”

Save the date: ‘Face-off for Autism’ on April 18

Get ready to hit the ice for the eighth annual “Face-off for Autism” hockey tournament – also benefitting Devereux Pennsylvania’s Bridge Fund – on April 18 at Ice Line in West Chester, Pa. Interested sponsors or participants should contact Dr. Todd Harris or Sasha Birosik.

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