Eagles Autism Challenge to
Thank Eagles Fans with
Third Matching Gift Drive

The $25,000 matching gift will begin on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 9:00 am et and will run through Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 5:00 pm et, or until the matching funds have been reached

With the 2018 season coming to a close, the Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial Group is thanking the millions of Eagles fans around the world by offering another matching donation – the “Thank You Fans” Matching Gift Drive – to new and current Eagles Autism Challenge participants. The $25,000 matching gift has been made possible thanks to a lifelong Eagles fan and season ticket member who has a personal connection to autism.

The “Thank You Fans” Matching Gift Drive is aimed at helping participants meet and even exceed their fundraising goals, where the first $25,000 in online donations will be matched, dollar for dollar. For example, if a donor contributes $100 to a participant’s fundraising account, the donation will be matched for a total of $200.

The Eagles Autism Challenge “Thank You Fans” Matching Gift Drive applies to all online donations made betweenThursday, January 24 at 9:00 am et and Tuesday, January 29 at 5:00 pm et, or until the $25,000 matching gift has been reached. The “Thank You Fans” Matching Gift Drive applies to one time donations up to $1,000. Registration fees and any other costs or fees associated with the Eagles Autism Challenge are not subject to the promotion and will not be matched.

“We truly believe that our fans are the best in the world,” said Ryan Hammond, Eagles Autism Challenge Executive Director. “Their fierce passion and unwavering support is on display throughout the year in their homes, in our communities, at Lincoln Financial Field and on the road. As a token of our appreciation, and to close out the 2018 season, we are excited to extend another matching gift to Eagles Autism Challenge participants.

“Thanks to the generosity of three anonymous donors this year, we have been fortunate to offer matching gifts that will ultimately result in $90,000 of additional funds for our cause. Together, we are transforming lives and improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by autism,” added Hammond.

Spearheaded by Philadelphia 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 signature fundraising event features three cycling routes – the Wawa Junior 15-Mile Ride, Wawa Shorti 30-Mile Ride and the Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride – that offer participants a chance to ride through the City of Philadelphia and its suburbs. The Five Below 5K Run/Walk has been mapped and certified by US Track & Field and will take participants on a scenic journey around the neighborhood. Every route will end at Lincoln Financial Field with participants crossing the finish line at the 50-yard line where an on-field celebration awaits. There is also a virtual participant option for those who want to fundraise but are unable to ride, run or walk on event day.

The Center for Disease Control 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.

For more information or to register, please visit www.eaglesautismchallenge.org.