Autism is not just a diagnosis; for many, it’s a way of life that demands understanding, acceptance, and above all, inclusion. On Thursday, Nov. 16, Mountain Shadows Resort, located at 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., in Paradise Valley, will resonate with the hopes and dreams of many as Autism Life and Living (ALL) hosts its Second Annual Golf Fore Inclusion Charity Classic.
The event is not just about the fun of 18 holes or the thrill of on-course contests. Behind the scenes, it’s a heartfelt endeavor by ALL to bridge the yawning gap of support for young adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) in Arizona. Out of the 159,000 individuals in the state battling autism/IDD, a staggering 85% remain unemployed. A majority of these individuals long for classes to instill healthy habits, while an overwhelming 87% grapple with the pangs of loneliness.
These heart-wrenching numbers resonated deeply with Lisa Masters, founder/CEO of ALL and a single mother to two young adults with autism. “The fear of the unknown, of what would become of my sons when I couldn’t be there for them, propelled me into action. I realized I couldn’t merely wait for solutions. I had to be a part of creating them,” Masters says.
The Golf Fore Inclusion Charity Classic serves as an essential platform to not only raise funds but also amplify awareness about the pressing challenges faced by the autism/IDD community. Attendees can look forward to an “after par-tee” reception packed with live music, dinner, awards, a silent auction, and a plethora of raffle prizes. Emily Taylor Law stands tall as the event sponsor, but the door is still open for more philanthropic enterprises to join as sponsors.
For more information, visit betterunite.com/allgfi2023.