The ninth annual Eagles Autism Challenge raised more than $16 million for innovative autism research and care programs, the foundation announced Saturday.
The event at Lincoln Financial Field had 6,832 attendees and nearly 40,000 donations worldwide. Funds from participants will be invested in groundbreaking research conducted around the world and in community grants for regional organizations.
“The connection we share with Eagles fans is special, and today was just another example of that,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “More than 6,800 people from around the world came to Philadelphia this weekend to join our organization in celebrating and advocating for the autism community. The $16 million raised from today’s event will go to support advanced autism research and care for individuals and families in need. We were all part of the same team today and it was the contribution of everyone, participants, coaches, coaches, donations, coaches and donations – resulting in another record year for the Eagles Autism Challenge.”