The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that the second annual **Eagles Autism Challenge** raised more than $3.5 million for autism research and care, thanks to 25,301 donors and the 3,645 participants who came out to bike, run, and walk on Saturday, May 18 at Lincoln Financial Field. One hundred percent of the participant-raised funds will be directed to the groundbreaking research being conducted at three leading Philadelphia institutions: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.
"I am overcome with a feeling of gratitude for the support we have received in the first two years of the Eagles Autism Challenge," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. "Over the past 24 months, our collective efforts have raised more than six million dollars in new money for autism research and care for our city. This is an amazing accomplishment, and a testament to the generosity of those who have so graciously showcased the power of what can be achieved when we work together."
The Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group offered participants the option to choose from three unique bike routes (Wawa Junior 15-Mile Ride, Wawa Shorti 30-Mile Ride, Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride), in addition to the family-friendly Five Below 5K Run/Walk and Five Below Sensory Walk. All five routes began at the cross section of 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way and Pattison Avenue and took participants on a scenic journey that navigated them through the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs. Participants returned to Lincoln Financial Field and crossed the finish line at the 50-yard line where an on-field celebration and awards ceremony awaited. Supporters who wanted to fundraise but were unable to ride, run, or walk on event day had the option to register as a virtual participant.
"On behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles, I humbly thank our participants, the thousands of donors around the world, our family of sponsors, Lincoln Financial Group and the founding beneficiaries. This life-changing work could not have been done without them. I am encouraged by the progress we have made thus far and believe that we are headed in the right direction. My hope is that our efforts here will inspire additional support and participation for years to come as we continue on our journey to advance autism research," added Lurie.
The event received full support from the entire Eagles organization, which included current players and team legends, coaches, ownership, front office executives, cheerleaders and SWOOP. More than 30 Eagles players signed up as bikers, 11 participated in the 5K and the rest cheered on participants at the 50-yard finish line. Additionally, every Eagles coach and nearly 30 Eagles Legends participated as either a biker, runner or walker.
"We would like to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles organization for another successful year in raising funds and awareness for autism research," said Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We are honored to be part of this event and to support cutting-edge breakthroughs for families affected by autism not only here in Philadelphia, but also around the world."
"I'm so grateful to the Eagles for the momentum built behind the Eagles Autism Challenge, and for the continued support of this annual event by so many members of the Drexel community," said John Fry, President of Drexel University. "I know that the strides made in the Challenge's second year will equip researchers at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute to forge ahead with research that is making a difference for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families."
"What a win! I'm impressed by how many of us joined, and it will indeed take all of us to create a better world for neurodiversity," said Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, President of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health. "We couldn't be more inspired by Jeffrey Lurie's ability to rally Greater Philadelphia around this critical need as Jefferson continues to provide research, community engagement, and clinical care for people with autism and other neurodiversities."
A total of seven matching gifts were offered to Eagles Autism Challenge participants this year, contributing a grand total of $785,000 to the $3.5 million raised. The matching gifts were aimed at helping participants meet and exceed their fundraising goals, while enabling lead donors to double their impact. Most notably, the $100,000 Middleton Matching Gift Challenge, generously provided by Philadelphia Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton and wife Leigh, helped to raise $200,000 for the team's efforts in less than two days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 59 people under the age of 21 living in the United States are on the autism spectrum, a significant increase from two years ago when the ratio stood at one in 68. Autism has become one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the country, yet it has historically been underfunded, misunderstood and under-researched. The Eagles Autism Challenge is partnering with thought leaders to advance scientific discoveries all with the goal of having a transformational impact around the world.
Championed by Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to drive scientific breakthroughs and establish Philadelphia as a major center for autism research and care. The annual fundraising event invites Eagles fans and autism supporters from around the world to join the team in turning autism awareness into action.
The date of the third annual Eagles Autism Challenge will be announced at a later time.
Take a look at the best photos from this year's Eagles Autism Challenge!
SWOOP gets things started at the 2019 Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie and his wife Tina with a group of participants before the Eagles Autism Challenge
Pedaling away
Doug Pederson taking a selfie with one of the many fans in attendance
SWOOP hanging out with a couple of the participants
Carson Wentz posing with one of the participants
Ready to ride
Riders starting off the event at Lincoln Financial Field
Zach Ertz with a young Eagles fan
And they're off
Thumbs up
Lane Johnson autographing a lucky fan's Eagles Autism Challenge jersey
The Eagles Cheerleaders, SWOOP, and a few of the riders
Carson Wentz speaking with a young fan
Lane Johnson hanging out with a couple of fans
Eagles President Don Smolenski and SWOOP have each other's backs
One of the many riders in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Off they go
Carson Wentz posing for a selfie
Off to the races
Chatting it up before the event
SWOOP hanging out with a pair of riders
Eagles President Don Smolenski begins his 50-mile ride
Nelson Agholor hanging out with one of the many fans
Eagles President Don Smolenski and SWOOP giving each other a high five
Zach Ertz posing for a photo
Almost time to ride
Eagles Cheerleaders
Eagles President Don Smolenski
Eagles President Don Smolenski and Eagles Autism Challenge Executive Director Ryan Hammond
Zach Ertz, Carson Wentz, and SWOOP
Head coach Doug Pederson kicking off the festivities
Doug Pederson being interviewed by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio
SWOOP and Carson Wentz being the life of the party
Carson Wentz signing an autograph
Nelson Agholor hitching a ride
Doug Pederson signing an autograph
Nelson Agholor taking a photo with a happy fan
Doug Pederson being interviewed by ESPN's Sal Paolantonio
Participants beginning their run in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Harold Carmichael with a couple of fans
The runners beginning their portion of the Eagles Autism Challenge
Jason Kelce with Eagles Autism Ambassador Ben Hartranft
What a beautiful mustache
Assistant quarterback coach Spencer Phillips and Coaches assistant Nick Williams working together on a tandem bike
SWOOP making sure everyone is having a fun time during the Sensory Walk
Charles Johnson taking a photo with a young fan
The Eagles Cheerleaders at the start line
One of the Wawa-themed bikes in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Quintin Mikell is excited to tackle the course
Crossing the finish line
Show off those medals
Vinny Curry gives the Eagles Autism Challenge a thumbs up
Jason Kelce crossing the finish line
SWOOP spreading his wings
Nate Sudfeld hanging out with the fans
Eagles players beginning the 15-mile bike ride
Richard Rodgers gladly taking photos with fans
Jason Kelce mingling with fans after crossing the finish line
Look at that speed
Doug Pederson with a group of participants
Mack Hollins is all smiles during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Got to love getting some face paint
Spin the wheel, make a deal
The Eagles Cheerleaders with Jason Avant and others
SWOOP providing some extra motivation
Doug Pederson and his wife Jeannie before the start of the event
The Eagles Cheerleaders having a fun a time
The scene at Lincoln Financial Field
Carlton Agudosi, Marken Michel, B.J. Bello, Bruce Hector, and Josh Adams
A couple of lucky fans hanging out with a bunch of Eagles
Josh Adams with a pair of participants
A trio of participants in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles President Don Smolenski (middle) beginning his trek
Vinny Curry hanging out a pair of runners that crossed the finish line
SWOOP high-fiving fans as they begin the bike portion of the event
Taking on the course with a smile
It's okay to flex those muscles during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Molly Sullivan is excited to be running in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Down the slide she goes
Here they come
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie crosses the finish line
Howard Eskin is proud of his effort in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Mike Quick finishing the Eagles Autism Challenge
No better feeling than crossing the finish line at the Eagles Autism Challenge
Running to the finish
Flexing those muscles during the 5K
Team Lucas during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Philadelphia EaBring the kids with you to the Eagles Autism Challenge
Lane Johnson, Carson Wentz, Zach Ertz, and Mack Hollins with a trio of participants in the Eagles Autism Challenge
Making the climb
Howard Eskin celebrates being one of the fundraisers of the Eagles Autism Challenge
Brent Celek on stage with SWOOP
Say hi to the camera
Peek-a-boo
Nelson Agholor posing for photos
DeSean Jackson signing autographs for some happy fans
Carson Wentz having fun at the Eagles Autism Challenge
Deiondre Hall smiling big during the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Autism Challenge executive director Ryan Hammond with Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro
Fred Barnett finishing the Eagles Autism Challenge in style
Selfie time with DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, and Cre'Von LeBlanc
Cre'Von LeBlanc and Nelson Agholor hanging out with a fan
SWOOP encouraging the riders to finish
During the Eagles Autism Challenge EAC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, May 17th 2019. (Brian Garfinkel/Philadelphia Eagles)
The Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge at Lincoln Financial Field on May 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles)
Success
Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro
Hello from the second Eagles Autism Challenge
Enjoying the ride
Doug Pederson taking his helmet off at a rest stop
More flexing
Jason Kelce resuming his ride after stopping for rest
Nate Sudfeld and Mack Hollins hang out with a pair of participants
Nathan Gerry eyes some refreshments at a rest stop
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie with Nelson Agholor, DeSean Jackson, Zach Ertz, and Carson Wentz
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie and the Eagles Cheerleaders with Howard Eskin, one of the top fundraisers for the Eagles Autism Challenge
Eagles Chairman & CEO Jeffrey Lurie
