Football Players Raise Autism Awareness for AutismUp, ARC of Yates Autism Initiatives

Former Super Bowl champions and professional football players headline the list of celebrities supporting the initiatives of AutismUp and the ARC of Yates for a Celebrity Golf Tournament

(Rochester, NY) - Former Super Bowl champions and professional football players headline the Tony Collins Celebrity Golf Classic on August 19. The autism awareness fundraiser is presented by The Tony Collins Foundation whose vision is to provide financial resources to area programs and organizations which empower youth to reach their full potential. The needs of youth with autism - social, communication and behavioral challenges - are the major focus of the foundation. The golf tournament will be hosted by the prestigious Locust Hill Country Club, site of many LPGA tournaments, to benefit AutismUp (formerly known as UNYFEAT) and the ARC of Yates.

Celebrity football players Reggie Branch (Washington Redskins), Reggie Dupard (New England Patriots & Washington Redskins), Doug Flutie (Buffalo Bills), Roland James (New England Patriots), Roy Jefferson (Baltimore Colts & Washington Redskins), Ronnie Lippett (New England Patriots), Fred Marion (New England Patriots), Lydell Mitchell (Baltimore Colts), Stanley Morgan (New England Patriots), Vinson Smith (Dallas Cowboys), and of course, Tony Collins (New England Patriots) will participate in a day of golf at Locust Hill.

The tournament includes 18 holes of golf with cart and unlimited balls on the range, lunch, complimentary beverages throughout the match, dinner, drinks and a live and silent auction. Celebrity players will also be available for “auction” the day of the tournament to join foursomes. This is a premier opportunity for novice and advanced golf players, and football enthusiasts alike to play with accomplished football professionals while supporting individuals living with autism locally. This event is open to all area golfers of all levels. All event proceeds help AutismUp and the ARC of Yates to expand autism initiatives in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, and remain local.

Non-golfers are invited to attend the “Meet and Greet” cocktail reception, dinner and auction portion only.

Today, between 1 in 88 and 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with autism. AutismUp (formerly known as UNYFEAT), is the leading 501(c) 3 autism organization in Rochester and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2004, by a small group of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it has grown to over 1,100 members whose mission is to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life.

The complete “Golf Where the Pro’s Golf” Tony Collins Celebrity Golf Classic event schedule, costs and registration information is available online at www.tonycollinsfoundation.com or www.autismup.org or by calling Sheila Burt at (315) 521-4017. Register by August 9. Locust Hill C.C. is located at 2000 Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY 14534.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com