PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two events, a 10-mile bike ride and a 5K run/walk, attracted 7,000 participants to Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday for the annual Eagles Autism Challenge. Still, they were far from the only draw. Dozens of kids' activities, giveaways and appearances by Eagles players kept the stadium hopping for hours.
After the 5K, Andrew Sulkowski proposed to his girlfriend, Chelsea, in front of a giant pink billboard with their faces on it that read, “Chelsea, will you be my forever Eagles fan?”
"We're massive Eagles fans, and that's one of the reasons that brought us together. This event means something to us. It's because it is the Eagles, and it's a great foundation, so I wanted to bring the proposal into this foundation,” Sulkowski said.
Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said the event raised at least $16 million.
“We started this to really boost the level of research and intensity around the world,” he said.
One way the event raises so much money is by inspiring groups of people to team up. Avery's Awesome Amigos came together around Avery Maquire, a 19-year-old with autism, whose family raised more than $20,000. Her aunt, Lauren Norden, said the team is 29-strong with members ranging in age from five to 80.
“Everybody runs or walks. These guys, it's their first time, they're in kindergarten. Each year gets bigger and bigger, and more cousins join in.”
Another big contingent was from the Y.A.L.E. School of New Jersey. Assistant Director Chris Vonderschmidt said the school serves kids with autism, so it's a cause close to their hearts.
“About 75 staff members here. It's right in our wheelhouse, it's what we do every day, so we raised about $30,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation.”
Since it started in 2018, the event has raised $56 million.
Plus, the event was topped off with something sweet: A proposal
Plus, the event was topped off with something sweet: A proposal
