Stars Tee Off for Autism Speaks Celebrity Golf Tournament

Monday's Autism Speaks Golf Challenge, the 15th annual tournament, raised more than $932,000 in support of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Among the celebrities who teed off in support of the autism community were Brooklyn Nets star Deron Williams, NY Giants linebacker Michael Boley and former UConn Head Coach Jim Calhoun.

Joining the all-star list of celebrities were Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright, and event Co-chairs and Rye residents Susan and Kevin Murray. Kevin is a member of the Autism Speaks board of directors. The Wrights co-founded Autism Speaks in February 2005, according to the release, after their grandson, Christian, was diagnosed with autism. 

The Murrays, who have a son on the autism spectrum, began the golf tournament in 1998. The annual event has raised more than $12 million towards research according to the release, and has boosted awareness of advocacy efforts for individuals and families who are affected by autism.

An estimated one in 88 children in the US is on the autism spectrum, according to the release, which represents a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. 

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal.