The Eagles Autism Foundation is excited to launch another matching gift for all 2026 Eagles Autism Challenge participants on Wednesday, April 1 in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. The $100,000 matching gift has been made possible thanks to the Bantwal family and Goldman Sachs Gives, a philanthropic fund focused on supporting underserved communities globally. The Bantwal family has been lifelong Eagles fans and passionate supporters of the Eagles Autism Foundation.
Double Your Impact!
All Eagles Autism Challenge donations will be matched until the goal of $100K is achieved!
"We are excited to start off Autism Acceptance Month with this impactful matching gift from the Bantwal family," said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director, Eagles Autism Foundation. "At the Eagles, we celebrate our neurodiverse community 365-days a year, with Autism Acceptance Month being another great opportunity to promote inclusion and fundraising for innovative autism research and care programs. We thank the Bantwal family and Goldman Sachs Gives for this matching gift that will help Eagles Autism Challenge participants meet or even exceed their fundraising goals for the year!"
The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the 8th annual Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial raised more than $10 million for autism research and care programs on Saturday, May 17, thanks to 7,266 participants and more than 43,000 donations worldwide. One hundred percent of the participant-raised funds will be invested in groundbreaking research being conducted around the globe and in community grants for area-based organizations.
Eagles players, cheerleaders, and SWOOP join participants at the starting line of the Eagles Autism Challenge at Lincoln Financial Field.
The sea of bicycle riders at the start of the Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial.
Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie
A finish medal and plenty of autographs!
This fan was esctatic to get her jersey signed by Jordan Mailata.
Eagles Autism Challenge Executive Director Ryan Hammond celebrates with the crowd at the conclusion of the Eagles Autism Challenge.
Jake Elliott
Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Eagles Legend Ike Reese
Cam Jurgens and Ben VanSumeren pose for a photo.
Eagles players sign autographs at the post-event celebration.
Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie signs autographs.
Sensory SWOOP
Jordan Mailata
Jihaad Campbell signs an autograph.
Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro fires up the crowd.
Eagles Legend Jason Kelce
It was a festive atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field and there isn't a game for several months!
Thomas Booker
Jordan Mailata
Will Shipley
Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie has given fans plenty to celebrate both on and off the field.
Miss Pennsylvania Noni Diarra supported the Eagles Autism Challenge.
The Bantwal Family Autism Acceptance Month Matching Gift is aimed at helping participants meet and exceed their Eagles Autism Challenge fundraising goals, where the first $100,000 in online donations will be matched, dollar for dollar. The matching gift applies to all online donations made between Wednesday, April 1 at 9:00 PM ET and Wednesday, April 29 at 11:59 PM ET, or until the $100,000 matching gift has been reached. Each donation will be matched up to $1,000 per donation and all donations must be made through a personal fundraising account.
"This Autism Acceptance Month we are honored to support the transformational work of the Eagles Autism Foundation with this matching gift," said the Bantwal family. "We hope this donation not only makes an impact in the community, but also inspires donors around the world to make a difference and turn autism awareness into action!"
Championed by Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles Autism Challenge is a one-day bike ride and family-friendly 5K Run/Walk that begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field. The event features the Wawa Hoagie 10-Mile Ride, which offers participants a chance to navigate through the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs. The FreedomPay 5K Run/Walk has been mapped and certified by US Track & Field and takes participants on a scenic journey around the neighborhood. For families and participants with sensory challenges, the West Sensory Walk provides a shorter course around the outside perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field. There is also a virtual participant option for those who want to fundraise but are unable to ride, run, or walk on event day. This event has grown into a global initiative with participants and donors from around the world.
For more information on The Bantwal Family Autism Acceptance Month Matching Gift, or to register for the 9th annual Eagles Autism Challenge, please visit EaglesAutismChallenge.org. The Eagles Autism Foundation is currently offering FREE registration for Autism Acceptance Month using promo code: Acceptance26.
