EAGLES AUTISM FOUNDATION 2020 IMPACT REPORT
TOGETHER WHILE APART
Our foundation’s mission to bring people together and serve as a resource for our community took on a new meaning this past year. Everyone faced various challenges in a world that had been turned upside down. Those changes had an even bigger impact in the lives of those affected by autism. Although we could not physically be together, we found ways to adjust and connect virtually. We have always had a global impact and in some instances, it became easier for those around the world to join us. What started as a personal mission from Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, inspired by autism in his own family, continues to expand and grow, giving a voice and a platform to those who may have previously been overlooked. Since 2018, we have raised close to $10 million for research and advocacy, thanks to the love, support, and unbelievable commitment of our community. We are inspired by the work of our thought leaders as they advance programs and scientific breakthroughs in neurodiversity. Although there is still a long way to go, we can see the transformational effects each day.
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JEFFREY LURIE I think we can all agree, this past year has certainly been one like no other. That’s why our support for families was more important than ever. Even though we couldn’t be together, and we pivoted to a virtual format, our Eagles Autism family remained unstoppable. With your support, we have continued to meet families where they need us most, providing at-home resources and fostering a sense of connection, all while remaining united in our goal of taking action for autism. Sensory Saturdays with Max brought weekly creativity and fun into homes with Do-it-Yourself projects and interviews with special guests like Alex Singleton and his sister Ashley. Max’s activities are not only entertaining, being able to count on them every week created stability, predictability, and the connections that families needed to thrive – particularly when we were isolated. From developing those virtual resources to funding teleintervention programs and employment training, we helped establish and support new at-home routines. As I envisioned the Eagles Autism Challenge years ago, I hoped it would evolve into a platform that allowed people everywhere to live their best lives. I never imagined our community would grow so quickly. This past year only proved that we are far more than a one-day event. Your passion and enthusiasm have continued our incredible momentum, generating close to $10 million since we started three years ago. One hundred percent of those funds have been reinvested in our research and community grants, allowing us to address the most prominent issues facing individuals and their caregivers. Thanks to the generosity of our committed Eagles Autism Foundation family, we were able to provide critical support to Philadelphia-area organizations to serve direct needs resulting from challenges presented by the pandemic. To that end, we hosted a sensory- friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Lincoln Financial Field, administering over 1,000 vaccines that helped make our community safer. And even as many of us worked from home, we never wavered in our focus on building a more inclusive workforce. From developing online resources to hosting virtual roundtables focused on neurodiversity hiring efforts, we continued to create employment opportunities for individuals with autism and developed new relationships with partners who are aligned with our commitment. I am incredibly grateful to my Eagles Autism Foundation family for pulling together in this exceptional year to help our community, which was hit so hard by COVID-19. We have truly shown the far-reaching impact that we can have when we remain committed and united in our goal, and I am excited for what we will achieve together in this coming year, as we continue to advance our mission and create a more inclusive world!
Jeffrey Lurie Chairman and CEO
RYAN HAMMOND
Reflecting on this past year is very different from previous years. The uncertainty associated with a global pandemic impacted all of us, particularly those in the autism community. Yet despite this year’s unique challenges, I have been humbled and impressed by the way people have continued to not only support, but fully embrace our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism. We may have had to be physically apart, but we are always together in spirit and united in our mission. Last spring, we had to take a step back and evaluate the impact to our community in this unique moment and reimagine engagement in a virtual world. Through new programs like Sensory Saturdays With Max and Working From Home, we looked to provide information and at-home resources through multiple touchpoints. We adjusted our grant program to best amplify and
support the efforts of organizations in the region addressing specific needs arising from the pandemic. From creating more content that supported individuals on the spectrum studying or working from home to funding translators who provided teleintervention and teleassessment, we continued to meet families where they need us most, while fostering a sense of connection during a time of isolation. In September, more than 2,800 participants from 40 countries joined us for our virtual Eagles Autism Challenge. Through their participation and the support of more than 12,000 donors, we raised over $3.1 million dollars, bringing us to nearly $10 million in just three years. Our work remains part of the fabric of the Eagles brand, starting with the leadership of Eagles Chairman and CEO and Eagles Autism Foundation President, Jeffrey
Lurie. It is evident in the spirit of the entire organization. While we couldn’t be together on game days this year, the Eagles Autism Foundation continued to have a presence through our endzone messaging and the more than 4,900 fan cutouts at the stadium that raised over $260,000 for autism research and care. Through it all, we have been motivated by the enthusiasm and energy of our EAF family and community. Thanks to your support and commitment, our momentum keeps growing, allowing us to make a transformational impact on the future of autism. I look forward to when we can all be together again.
Ryan Hammond Executive Director of Eagles Autism Challenge
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6abc’s Ducis Rodgers completed the Eagles Autism Challenge by running a 5k around Philadelphia.
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VIRTUAL EAGLES AUTISM CHALLENGE While we weren’t able to come together physically for the third annual Eagles Autism Challenge, our community of supporters remained united in our mission to take action for autism. Even as the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a shift to an all-virtual event format, we still had more than 2,800 participants and raised over $3.1 million for autism research and care programs – a truly remarkable feat.
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$9,288,455 raised in first 3 years
12,285 2020 donors
2,851 2020 participants
$3,188,455 2020 raised
A VIRTUAL CONNECTION To start Eagles Autism Challenge weekend, thousands tuned in to the Philadelphia Eagles YouTube channel to watch the virtual Friday Night Kickoff Party presented by Lincoln Financial Group, with special guests like Brian Dawkins, Swoop, and The Chicks. Then on Saturday, September 26, individuals from all over the world ran, walked, and rode around their neighborhoods, sharing photos, videos, and messages of encouragement. That afternoon, Eagles players and coaches celebrated participants’ incredible accomplishments and recognized our top fundraisers at the virtual Post-Race Celebration co-presented by our Official Partners..
Check out the Eagles Autism Foundation’s YouTube playlist to watch the Friday Night Kickoff Party and Post-Race Celebration.
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SENSORY SATURDAYS WITH MAX Faced with the challenges that 2020 brought, the Eagles Autism Foundation remained determined to serve as a resource for those within the autism community. With that goal in mind, the organization launched Sensory Saturdays with Max, an educational series designed to provide children and parents with ideas for sensory-friendly activities and experiments. The show, which airs every Saturday on the Eagles Autism Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram pages, features Max, a 13-year-old boy with autism, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Kirsten Saraceni. Every week, the pair teaches viewers how to make their own sensory toys and crafts at home. Over the course of the series’ more than 30 episodes, Max has welcomed a number of special guests, including Swoop, Eagles cheerleaders, and even an Eagles player. In July of 2020, linebacker Alex Singleton and his sister Ashley, a Special Olympian with Down Syndrome, joined the show to lead viewers in an at-home workout. Alex later returned to the show for an interview and trivia with Max. With so many children learning from home, EAF made the Sensory Saturday videos available to summer camps and schools to be included as part of their virtual curriculum. Promoting inclusion and acceptance, the show has helped Max and other children on the spectrum develop a sense of belonging. To watch past episodes, visit the Eagles Autism Foundation playlist on the Eagles YouTube page. Plus, follow EAF on Facebook and Instagram for more.
Max has led viewers in a variety of activities, ranging from DIY fidget spinners to an at-home workout.
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WORKING FROM HOME
In March of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a shift to a virtual world. For many of us, that meant working from home. While the change was an adjustment for everyone, this type of disruption in daily routine is often particularly difficult for individuals with autism. In an effort to educate others about the unique challenges facing those on the spectrum, Eagles Autism Foundation BCBA Kirsten Saraceni interviewed Gloria Mendoza and David Siegal, members of SAP’s Autism at Work program, about their “new normal”. Titled “Working from Home”, the seven-part series debuted on the EAF Facebook page in May of 2020, sparking thoughtful conversation and providing an eye- opening glimpse at the realities individuals with autism face. Drawing on their personal experiences, David and Gloria shared advice on how they navigated the situation, from specific strategies that helped them create and adjust to a new routine to how they remained connected to family, friends, and coworkers. “It’s tough for everyone, particularly those on the spectrum, and it’s okay to acknowledge…it’s okay not to be okay,” David, a Business Operations Associate Specialist for SAP’s North American Field Services Division, told viewers. Gloria, a Technical Quality Manager in the Customer Success department, echoed those sentiments, urging others to take comfort in the fact that they are not alone. To watch the full “Working from Home” series, check out the Eagles Autism Foundation playlist on the Philadelphia Eagles YouTube channel.
Both David and Gloria work for SAP, an Eagles Autism Challenge partner, as part of the organization’s Autism at Work program.
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DRAFT AND SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL In recognition of their support and commitment, some of our top Eagles Autism Challenge fundraisers had the opportunity to be featured during the Eagles’ selections
in the 2020 NFL Draft. Afterwards, we also invited participants to join an exclusive, virtual Meet and Greet with the team’s first- and second-round picks.
TIPS AND TRICKS This past year has been confusing for adults, let alone children and/or those on the autism spectrum. To help assist our community, Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst Kirsten Saraceni posted videos with information and resources. In Tips & Tricks, Kirsten outlined useful resources, activities and various methods to help acclimate to the ongoing change. Then, to help address specific issues, she solicited questions on social media and replied via Q&A.
Members of our Eagles Autism Foundation family had the opportunity to be featured during the 2020 NFL Draft.
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CHALLENGES TO SUCCESS
“The other thing I noticed was that the Eagles staff has gotten a lot of training in the last year. I can tell the difference, even when I took Dan to the two events in May. They just knew, “Does he need a sensory break? Is it a tactile thing?” They knew the terminology. Somebody’s training, and I appreciate that.” — THE KOGAN FAMILY
In April of 2020, the Eagles Autism Foundation launched Challenges to Success, a social media series dedicated to bringing awareness to diversity and inclusion efforts across the organization. Each episode highlighted a different family who had the opportunity to participate in an event they otherwise wouldn’t have because of the sensory resources and supports that EAF provided.
“I feel proud. I mean first of all, it’s the Eagles, and then they’re backing something that is so close to home. It makes me feel good that they are making people aware that this is important. So for the Eagles to step up and say hey, we know there’s families out there that need us, it’s important.” — THE DeMAYO FAMILY
“All the kids seemed content there. Everybody was comfortable at the event. And it made people’s parents, the grandparents, whoever took them, the guardians, feel like hey, this is a really big deal.” — THE KOGAN FAMILY
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SENSORY ROOM In 2019, the Eagles Autism Foundation was elated to announce the certification of Lincoln Financial Field as a sensory-inclusive stadium by KultureCity, including a state-of-the-art sensory room on-site. While the sensory room was not able to open this past year, that hasn’t diminished the organization’s commitment to provide fans with a sensory-friendly gameday experience. For the few games where fans were allowed in the stadium in 2020, certain suites were designated as quiet spaces, staffed by a Board- Certified Behavioral Analyst for those who needed it. Sensory bags were also available at Guest Services. As we wait for what is in store for 2021, the Eagles Autism Foundation and Lincoln Financial Field will be ready for fans who want to enjoy a sensory-friendly experience on game day, embracing our commitment to ensure all fans enjoy their time at Lincoln Financial Field.
While the Sensory Room wasn’t able to open this year, suites were turned into quiet spaces for fans who needed support.
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POPCORN FOR THE PEOPLE
What started out as a popcorn purchase at a college football game became a partnership to help spread awareness around autism. In 2019, the Eagles Autism Foundation, Aramark, and Popcorn for the People embarked on a venture to help achieve Popcorn for the People’s mission of employing and training adults with autism to create, cook, package, and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn, combating the statistic that eight out of ten adults diagnosed with autism are unemployed. Popcorn for the People sold product at Eagles home games in 2019 and ‘20, fostering meaningful connections with fans going through similar circumstances. Alan Austin, General Manager at Aramark, has a strong tie to this cause, as he has a son identified on the spectrum. Reflecting on the partnership, he explained, “It’s kind of like a family, anyone affected by autism becomes family by default and you saw that happen here.” Due to restrictions and safety protocols set in place during the 2020 season, Popcorn for the People was only able to sell at four home games, but the organization remains committed to creating more employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. “This is the first step in trying to change the world,” said Alan. To learn more about the Eagles Autism Foundation and Aramark’s relationship with Popcorn for the People, check out this segment on NBC10.
Popcorn for the People is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
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TRAINING CAMP JERSEYS As part of the team’s ongoing commitment to autism research and care, players wore specially- designed Eagles Autism Foundation practice jerseys on Friday, August 21. Inspired by Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, the exclusive, one- of-a-kind jerseys featured energy green numbers and nameplates and prominently displayed the Eagles Autism Foundation signature logo on the front side and shoulder. After being signed by the players, the jerseys were auctioned off as part of the 2020 Eagles Radiothon presented by Firstrust Bank and The Green Family Foundation, which raised over $158,000.
Eagles defensive back Rodney McLeod (23) and tight end Dallas Goedert (88) show off the team’s specially-designed EAF practice jerseys.
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MY CAUSE MY CLEATS My Cause My Cleats is a league-wide initiative that empowers players to express their commitment to the causes they support through creative artwork and custom designs on their game cleats.
DE Fletcher Cox and other Eagles players supported EAF during the My Cause My Cleats game in Week 14.
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NEURODIVERSE HIRING PRACTICES Diversity and inclusion have always been at the forefront of the Eagles game day/event staff hiring and training efforts, with neurodiversity becoming even more of a priority in recent years. Brian Dea, Fan Experience Manager at the Eagles, says that the team has a long history of welcoming employees of all abilities. At Lincoln Financial Field, he employs a number of individuals who identify as being on the spectrum to assist with game days and special events. Hiring and training the game day/event staff is not as simple as just placing employees in jobs. Matching staff with roles where they will be the most successful is always top of mind. “This job means a lot to our staff who are on the spectrum” says Dea, “They can grow and become a part of the Eagles family”. The team’s neurodiversity efforts go beyond just hiring practices, with programs in place to properly train and support game day and event staff who are on the spectrum, as well as those who are not. One example is the peer mentoring program, where employees can be paired with job coaches and staff members to help navigate the electric environment of the Linc on game day. Employees who are not on the spectrum also receive training from Kulture City, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to support their colleagues and fans on the spectrum.
Employees enjoy the game day staff’s 2019 postseason party.
Brian Dea presented Tom Byrne with his Bronze Wings in recognition of his dedication.
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Cyclists cross the finish line at the 50-yard line of Lincoln Financial Field.
In an effort to create inclusive and accessible workouts, Ashley and Alex Singleton created their own fitness-themed YouTube channel.
ALEX SINGLETON’S ADVOCACY Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton has twice been a guest on the Eagles Autism Foundation’s social media series Sensory Saturdays with Max, first leading viewers through a workout with his sister Ashley in July and later returning in February for an interview that Max dubbed a Sensational Saturday. Calling himself one of Max’s biggest fans, Alex said he noticed how much Max’s comfort level, confidence, and public speaking ability had grown in just those few months.
the words Rethink, Respect, Reconsider. It is from Project R, whom Ashley works with, in recognition of the organization’s mission to discourage the use of the R-word and empower people with disabilities (those that are visible and those that may be less obvious to see) as valued individuals with unique capabilities and skills. Through living his dream of playing professional football, the linebacker has used his platform to provide a voice for his sister and those with different abilities. Alex believes that once you’re around someone like Ashley, you will forever feel different and be changed in the best way possible. “Awareness is knowledge and once you are aware, you want to spring into action”, says Alex. Last March at the start of quarantine, Special Olympics Calgary asked several people, including Alex and Ashley, to lead virtual workouts. They later did the same for Special Olympics Philadelphia, which
ultimately inspired their own fitness-themed series. During this offseason, the siblings created a YouTube channel with about 20 workout sessions. For Alex, the experience allowed him to take something that he knows and does regularly and make it accessible to everyone, no matter their ability level. Although a California native, Alex was well aware of Philadelphia’s reputation as a sports town and he believes that it has lived up to the hype. During his time here, he’s recognized that the fans’ passion extends beyond the team’s on-field performance to community initiatives such as the Eagles Autism Challenge. His first experience with the event came in 2019, when he manned the bounce house, interacting with celebrating participants as they crossed the finish line at Lincoln Financial Field. This year, he is looking forward to taking his participation to another level by completing one of the cycling routes.
The kind of ease, connection, and engagement seen in Alex’s conversations with Max have been ingrained in him his entire life. With an older sister with Down Syndrome, Alex grew up seeing not only the challenges that Ashley and her friends faced, but also their diverse talents and how much they have to offer. As a Special Olympian for more than 20 years in swimming and bowling, his sister serves as his role model and motivation. Alex wears a black band on his arm with
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EAGLES AUTISM CHALLENGE FOSTERS CONNECTION FOR KIMBERLY FEE Kimberly (Kim) Fee truly enjoys working with her team at Lincoln Financial Group (LFG). In fact, one of her friends and coworkers is the one who brought Kim over to the company 10 years ago this August. That feeling of camaraderie and support has become even stronger with Lincoln Financial Group’s sponsorship of the Eagles Autism Challenge. Kim’s son John, now 14, was diagnosed with autism by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 11 years ago. Described as super smart, sentimental, funny and quick-witted, John is towards the milder end of the spectrum and Kim credits that early intervention as critical to his development. Now at Franklin Towne Charter High School and participating with Holy Terror Stars athletics, the Fee family worked with KenCrest and Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at St. Joseph’s University when John was younger. The fact that all of the funds raised by the Eagles Autism Foundation go directly to research and programming was very important to Kim and her family, as was the idea of moving to action (from awareness) to get the resources to those who are making a difference. The actual event has given Kim new, fun experiences of going through the Navy Yard and not only being at Lincoln Financial Field, but actually down on the field. She looks forward to meeting people at the Eagles Autism Challenge who are all supporting the same cause for the same reason, with everyone understanding that people have “different” abilities, not disabilities. Kim appreciates the support her coworkers have shown her during her own participation in the Eagles Autism Challenge and is excited to see more and more are registering for themselves each year. “Without their support, I wouldn’t have made my fundraising goal”, Kim said. “It has been humbling and made working for Lincoln Financial Group that much better.” Running into Lincoln Financial Group Executive Vice President, Chief People, Place and Brand Officer Lisa Buckingham at the event, drove home that the support is really from the top down. Lisa is a champion for the cause, rallying the entire organization, encouraging her coworkers to share their personal stories and spearheading Lincoln Financial Group’s Autism to Work pilot program, which gives Kim hope that her son will be able to find employment and have what is considered a “normal” life. Each year, the Eagles Autism Challenge gets bigger and better and Kim is looking forward to participating with both John and her daughter Jenna this upcoming year.
Kimberly Fee participates in the Eagles Autism Challenge for her son John.
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THE RADCLIFFE FAMILY AND OHANA FARM Until the age of 18 months, Conrad and Amanda Radcliffe’s son Callum was a joyful boy progressing
number of failed educational settings, they found the right educational fit at the Melmark School in Berwyn, which Cal still adores attending. After a number of also failed summer camp experiences, Cal found success at the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support’s summer camp at St. Joseph’s University. On his first day, Amanda stayed in the parking lot all day waiting for the call that always came that Cal was having difficulty and she would need to take him home. That call never came and a friendship with the Kinney Center (and its then executive director Ryan Hammond, now executive director of Eagles Autism Foundation) was made. Cal is now 21 and although he still requires a high level of support, he has come so far. Thanks to many years of schooling by his dedicated teachers at Melmark, home therapies, summer camp experiences at Camp Kinney, and the endless devotion of his
family, he is a happy young man now. Graduate students from St. Joe’s assist Cal at home, and one, Nick DeMaria, has become his devoted housemate and best friend. While still minimally verbal, today Cal has a good sense of humor, loves ziplining, roller coasters, his home, being with friends, and his family. On the family farm, he takes care of the animals, all named from his favorite movies. They also use their apple orchard to run a small apple butter and cider business that offers Cal, and other neurodiverse people, job opportunities. Cal named the farm, “Ohana Farm,” a Hawaiian word from the movie Lilo & Stitch, which means “family”. Cal can say, “Ohana means family, and family means no one is left behind or forgotten.” Through the Eagles Autism Foundation, Cal has had fantastic experiences that any young man would treasure, including photos with the cheerleaders, a
as expected. He reached every developmental milestone and engaged happily with those around him, most of all his two older sisters, Antoinette and Kailey. Within a few months, everything changed, his skills were lost and he became withdrawn, angry, and suffered up to a hundred tantrums a day, often banging his head on the ground. There were many very challenging years for Cal and his family, as their sweet toddler became a withdrawn, violent, and inconsolable boy. Through the development pediatric departments at CHOP and Dupont, the Radcliffes received an Autism diagnosis for Cal. He and his family needed all the help they could get. The Radcliffes found a pediatric occupational therapist, Maryann Brennan, who still works with Cal, now 21, today. After a
With support from the Kinney Center and Eagles Autism Foundation, Cal Radcliffe has made tremendous strides.
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RADIOTHON
behind-the-scenes-tour, high fiving players in the tunnel, and the opportunity to be on the field for the presentation of the Lombardi Trophy following the Eagles 2018 Super Bowl championship. Cal’s joy is evident. For Cal’s parents, the biggest gift is his happiness, and to be able to participate in these experiences as a family, with people who embrace Cal’s differences, welcome him, and accept him for who he is. At her company Vertex, and with the enthusiastic support of her sibling partners, Jeff Westphal and Stevie Thompson, CEO David DeStefano, and dedicated HR executive Craig Single, Amanda championed the idea of neurodiversity in the workplace. Vertex now proudly has 18 people who self-identify as neurodiverse and enjoy meaningful work for the first time in their lives. Active in the nonprofit Neurodiversity at Work, Philadelphia, Amanda encourages and helps other employers hire neurodiverse employees. “Everyone deserves the self-respect and pride of accomplishment of work. Neurodiversity at work is good for the employee, their family, the company they work for, and society as a whole”. The regional Chapter already has over 150 members from Philadelphia’s leading corporations (including the Eagles), hospitals, universities, agencies, providers, school districts, nonprofits, and neurodiverse people themselves, who meet regularly to promote inclusion in the workplace. “There are opportunities all around for all levels of ability. From high tech to pressing apples, there are jobs to match skill levels. We work hard to compliment and help each other, not compete” says Amanda. The family deeply admires Jeffrey Lurie for making autism a primary mission of his Eagles organization and maximizing his own family’s experience, voice, and resources to make such a positive difference in the lives of people with autism, not only in Philadelphia, but around the world.
The 2020 Eagles Radiothon, presented by Firstrust Bank and The Green Family Foundation, raised $158,450 for the Eagles Autism Foundation. In accordance with health and safety protocols and social distancing mandates, the organization was able to be creative in developing unique and meaningful virtual experiences involving Eagles players and SportsRadio 94WIP radio personalities. Top items included a virtual lunch and Meet and Greet with Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman, a round of golf with defensive end Brandon Graham, and the opportunity to have the Eagles logo painted in your backyard! Congratulations to our winners and a special thank you to donors, Firstrust Bank, The Green Family Foundation, and SportsRadio 94 WIP.
After winning the experience through Ra- diothon, the Radcliffe family had the Eagles logo painted in their yard.
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SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT In what would become one of the last in-person events of the year, on March 1, 2020, 1,500 people (double the number from the previous year) enjoyed a sensory- friendly performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra at the NovaCare Complex. Before the performance, families were invited to participate in balloon making, face painting and information stations. If needed a sensory room, fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones were made available. In what was dubbed a “no-shush” zone, attendees could dance, clap, hum and just enjoy themselves. “It means a lot to have that inclusion, that space just to be. Just be a kid, regardless of your sensory needs”, said attendee Alex Vaello. “The Eagles have opened their doors and we’re grateful to take part”. 2020 HUDDLE UP Presented in partnership with The Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), the 11th annual Huddle Up for Autism was reimagined to provide an exclusive, virtual experience for top fundraisers and supporters, while still advancing our shared mission of raising awareness and funds for autism research. After receiving a visual schedule to review before the Zoom event, participants were welcomed by Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro, enjoyed a Q&A with players, learned the fight song with the Eagles cheerleaders, and were surprised by Swoop. In total, the event raised $52,743.
The Philadelphia Orchestra put on a sensory-friendly performance at the NovaCare Complex.
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2020 SCIENTIFIC REVIEW AND FUNDING The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that a total of 18 projects, including eight pilot studies and 10 community grants, will receive $3.1 million in funding for cutting-edge autism research and programming. A total of 47 letters of intent were submitted for grant funding. The projects were narrowed down to 28 full proposals that went through a comprehensive evaluation process. Each project was carefully reviewed by an independent team of scientists who have demonstrated a clear and steadfast commitment to autism research, services, and programs. Following the review process, it was determined that eight pilot studies would be awarded to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Drexel University, Harvard University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Connecticut (UConn), University of Iowa, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMass Medical School), and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). 2020 COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS Given the economic landscape and the pressing need for individual and family services, the Eagles Autism Foundation adjusted the timing and focus of its 2020 Community Grants. Awarded to 10 organizations, this year’s grants addressed issues specifically impacted by the move from in-person to virtual services, including employment, advocacy, research and training. Among those funded were The Elwyn Foundation and The Kinney Center for Autism Support and Education at St. Joseph’s University. Providing early intervention evaluation services to 7,500 children ages 3-5 in the Greater Philadelphia, The Elwyn Foundation’s traditional model of interaction is primarily between the provider and the child. However, with the shift to virtual intervention, parents and caregivers became exponentially more involved. Clear communication for effective training and support is crucial. With the community grant funding, the foundation was able to expand translation and interpretation services to maintain their high level of quality services for families whose first language is not English. The Kinney Center for Autism Support and Education at St. Joseph’s University’s ASPIRE (Autism Support Promoting Inclusive and Responsive Education) program supports college students on the autism spectrum transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education. As a result of the grant, the center is now able to extend the program beyond the university, expanding it to aid the transition from post-secondary education to the workforce, while enhancing technology to assist with remote training and support.
2020 FUNDED PROJECTS
Precision Cell Based Therapy for seizure and autism in Dravet syndrome
Emotional expressivity in young children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
The use of high-dimensional EEG in the early identification of autism in primary care
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in ASD for Sensory Over Responsivity
Identifying Genes That Contribute to Dup15q Autism Using a Human Stem Cell Model
Functional Connectivity of the Amygdala in Autism
Biomarker-Driven Pharmacological Treatment for ASD
Striatal Circuit Dysfunction in Autism
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EAGLES AUTISM FOUNDATION PEER REVIEW PANEL OF EXPERTS 2020 Lead Scientific Advisor Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom Eagles Autism Foundation Scientific Advisory, Chair of Review Panel Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center Professor, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Chair Dr. Heather Cody Hazlett University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Assistant Professor Psychiatry & Psychology; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities Dr. Damon Page The Scripps Research Institute Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Dr. Celine Saulnier Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consulting Services Founder; Clinician-Scientist Dr. Jonathan Sebat UC San Diego Chief, Beyster Center for Molecular Genomics of Neuropsychiatric Diseases; Professor of Psychiatry and Cellular and Molecular Medicine Dr. Volney Sheen Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School Director of Epilepsy, Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Campus
Dr. Susan Hyman University of Rochester Medical Center Professor, Department of Pediatrics; American Board of Pediatrics Dr. Chiara Manzini Child Health Institute of New Jersey; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Associate Professor of the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology Dr. Kimberley McAllister University of California, Davis Director, Center for Neuroscience; Professor Center for Neuroscience; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences Department of MIND Institute Department of Neurology, School of Medicine Dr. Eric Morrow Brown University Mencoff Family Professorship, Associate Professor of Neuroscience; Psychiatry and Human Behavior
of the NIH Developmental Brain Disorders study section, member of the Society for Neuroscience Audit Committee, serves on Autism Science Foundation and the American Brain Coalition panels
Dr. Anita Bhattacharyya University of Wisconsin-Madison
Assistant Professor, Cell and Regenerative Biology; Co-Core Director, IDD Models; Sub-Core Director, hPSC Services; Principal investigator at the Waisman Center Dr. Eric Butter Ohio State University College of Medicine; Nationwide Children’s Hospital Child Development Center Chief of the Division of Psychology in the Department of Pediatrics, Chief of the Section of Psychology, Founding faculty member at Nationwide Children’s Child Development Center Dr. Adriana Di Martino Child Mind Institute Research Director, Autism Center; Dr. John and Consuela Phelan Scholar; Senior Research Scientist Dr. Damien Fair University of Minnesota Professor, Institute of Child Development; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School; Redleaf Endowed Director, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain
Dr. Qian-Quan Sun University of Wyoming
Professor, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Director, Wyoming Sensory Biology Center of Biomedical Research Excellence Dr. Sara Jane Webb Seattle Children’s Research Institute; University of Washington Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Affiliate; Center on Child Health Behavior, and Development
Dr. Stewart Mostofsky Kennedy Krieger Institute
Director, Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research; Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Medical Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute
IMPACT REPORT
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
OFFICIAL SPONSOR
PROUD SPONSOR
2020 Eagles Autism Foundation eaglesautismfoundation.org
IMPACT REPORT
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SUPPORTING SPONSOR
RT
JG &
Ricci Tyrrell Johnson & Grey
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
COMMUNITY SPONSOR
IMPACT REPORT
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“Raising funds for the Eagles Autism Challenge really means a lot for our family. As our daughter gets older, we start to think more and more about her future and what that looks like. Through the work of the Eagles Autism Foundation we are able to see a brighter future for our girl. The EAF serves the autism community in ways we didn’t even know existed. Even during a pandemic year, we saw how quickly they shifted gears to continue to provide support in a year when we needed it most. We’ve learned a lot through programs they’ve hosted, met other families through their events and even found medical answers through research they help fund at CHOP!”
FUNDRAISING
“The Philadelphia Eagles commitment to championship level impact on and off the field is inspirational for all of us. Autism is the fastest growing developmental-disorder in the country impacting millions of families. The innovative research and community programs funded by the Eagles Autism Foundation is helping these families both in the short run and long run and we are proud to have the opportunity to help their work”
Kimmarie Taylor Don Smolenski Alex Felmeister
Hall of Fame $100,000 AND ABOVE
$2,500 AND ABOVE Stephanie Ennis Kevin Sorli Liz Reed Tom Byrne
Darren Check
$25,000 AND ABOVE Jeffrey Lurie Krista Forst Christina Weiss Lurie Leah Dinoris Howie Roseman $10,000 AND ABOVE Ben Hartranft Howard Eskin Doug Pederson Skylar Austin Drew Masciangelo
Brooke Hazlett Kathleen Tarzwell Christian Molnar Joe Buriak
Marc Albero John Huyette
Stephanie Stricker Allyson Johnston Matthew French Frank Buttaro III David Dadoly Annie Foley Anthony Giordano David Sullivan Lindy Rolston Zachary Neuin Rory Douglas Kyle Tanguay Lee Ann Hartley Sandra Martinez
— Vivek J. Bantwal
Michael Winsey Robert Doyle Dominic Paranzino Tom Toland Justin Camaione Joyce Iman Dominic DiSandro Rachel Lewis
Howard Lewis Frank Gumienny Bob Gordon
— Nicole Bottino
$5,000 AND ABOVE Mark Buchinski Howard Brooks Tricia Vargo
Ed Siebert Kate Miller Edward Callahan
2020 Eagles Autism Foundation eaglesautismfoundation.org
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DONATIONS
Anonymous Donor***** Aramark John Ballbach Vivek J. Bantwal Jim Bell Joseph Bellina William and Kathy Brady Wei and Mark Brian Lisa Buckingham Frank Buttaro III Elaine Woo Camarada Comcast Spectator Charities Comic Con for Kids Perry Cozzone Tom Devine Dilworth Paxson Thomas Donahue Jay W Eisenhofer Faces for Autism, Inc. Richard Faris Eric Forst Thomas Forst Forst Forst Foundation Frieder Family Foundation Fujitec Tara Galagarza Joe Gatta Dennis Glass
Jake Goldblum Brian Golderer Greater Philadelphia Greater Phila- delphia Traditions
Philadelphia Performing Arts Char- ter School Philadelphia Phillies Polar Bear Walk for Autism Pro Financial Services LLC Peter Prostowich Amanda and Conrad Radcliffe Craig Redcay Frank and Linda Reich Ricci Tyrell Johnson & Grey Ricoh Christopher Ritchie James Shekelton III Gerald Silk Keith Singer Jerry Sokolow Matthew B. And Janet Ries Stern Steven Swain Gerard Sweeney Team Hungry Dogs The DeSean Jackson Foundation The Gillece Family Lynn Tractman U.S. Investment Corporation
Ari Greenberg Ben Hartranft Spiro Hazidavis Paul and Margaret Hondros
Iatse Local No. 8 Illinois Tool Works Christo Kamitsis The Kelly Family KPMG
Howard Lewis Maxine Lewis
Gladwyne Catalyst Services Llc Lunch with Lynch Foundation Cassandra Masel Jim McHugh Henry McNeil, Jr. Mill Creek Capital Advisors LLC Moss Mill Brewing Company Lawrence Mullin Matthew and Stacey Nagy Tom Nerney Jamie Ohl
Wawa Foundation Ernst and Young Jeff and Janine Yass
Paul Orzechowski Dominic Paranzino
IMPACT REPORT
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