Eagles Autism Challenge raises a record-breaking $8.1 million for research
The Philadelphia Eagles ditched the playbook over the weekend and spent Saturday raising money for a good cause at Lincoln Financial Field instead. The Eagles held their 7th annual Eagles Autism Challenge, the team’s biggest charitable cause where fans, players, coaches, and executives took part in either the Wawa Classic 30-mile bike ride, Wawa Shorti 10-mile bike […]
The Philadelphia Eagles ditched the playbook over the weekend and spent Saturday raising money for a good cause at Lincoln Financial Field instead.
The Eagles held their 7th annual Eagles Autism Challenge, the team’s biggest charitable cause where fans, players, coaches, and executives took part in either the Wawa Classic 30-mile bike ride, Wawa Shorti 10-mile bike ride, FreedomPay 5K run/walk, or the Sensory Walk. Those who can't be there in person can even participate virtually.
With approximately 5,620 participants and 38,171 donations worldwide, the Eagles Austim Challenge raised a record-breaking $8.1 million for autism research and care programs.
"It's an emotional reaction," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in an interview with NBC Sports on Saturday. "It's not just 'wow there's so many people coming together.' It's emotional. You realize all of the people and families that are dealing with autism and you have an enormous number of people from all over the country, around the world so committed to helping to create innovation in the world of research and community programs in autism. So, it's big. It's an emotional reaction."
Since the inaugural event kicked off in 2018, the Eagles Autism Foundation has raised over $22 million for care and research with every year, so far, being a record-breaking one.
Lurie is the founder of the Eagles Autism Challenge and every year this great cause has hit close to home for him as someone who has autism in his own family.
But while he's overjoyed with what thousands of participants were able to do on Saturday, he knows there is still more work to be done.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the hard work that went into making this the biggest Eagles Autism Challenge yet,” Lurie said. “It was truly a record-setting year in many ways. Not only did we surpass last year’s fundraising total, but we also had a record number of participants, sponsors, and donors.
“The fast-paced growth of our event is a testament to everyone who has graciously supported our mission to improve the lives of those living with autism. While there is still more work to be done, I am encouraged by our progress and look forward to further contributing to the advancements in autism research and care around the world.”
According to the Eagles, the money raised so far by the Eagles Autism Challenge has helped fund 86 autism research projects and community grants.
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Money could be wasted.
