Go Long for Luke flag football fundraiser promotes autism acceptance

The eighth annual Go Long for Luke flag football charity fundraiser recently took place at Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach to raise awareness for individuals with autism and to create opportunities for the community to get involved and support the cause.

The fundraiser happened in Boynton Beach for the first time with over 250 people as well as a DJ and food truck. The event attracted children and teens from sixth through 12th grade to participate in flag football and promote the acceptance of all individuals with autism.

The Go Long for Luke nonprofit organization was created in 2013. Sophie Greenfield’s twin brother, Luke, has faced ongoing challenges with autism, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects brain function and the ability to interact and communicate with others. Sophie, at age 9, was inspired to start the charitable organization with Cole and Jesse Faller after meeting them at an integrated after-school program at East Hills School in  Roslyn, New York.

“I thought the program in elementary school would be a fun way to meet other kids and help kids with disabilities,” Sophie said. “We have a big special needs community where we used to live. Cole and Jesse instantly made a connection with Luke and he loved them. We wanted to create an event for Luke.  We wanted to do it in the fall and Luke loves football. We had to organize the first event quickly and it exceeded our expectations. We were able to get more people and raise more money each year.”

The charitable organization previously held seven flag football fundraisers, including four events in Roslyn and three in Atlanta to provide a platform for children to advocate and raise awareness for other children with autism. Sophie’s parents, Sandi and Scott, recently relocated with Luke to Boca Raton. Sophie, now 19, attends the University of Miami.

“We are here and ready to make an impact on the South Florida community,” Sophie said. “We have bigger plans and want to expand our network and continue to make connections to help individuals with autism and special needs. We are looking for support and donations to affect change.”

The proceeds from the flag football fundraiser in Boynton Beach will be donated toward Els for Autism, a foundation established in 2009 that serves families and offers in-person programs and services at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter. Ernie Els, a professional golfer, has a son, Ben, who is impacted by autism spectrum disorder.

“We wanted to contribute and support Els For Autism and their foundation,” Sophie said. “They have a great program and we want to partner with them in the future.”

As children with autism reach age 21 and transition out of school, they are faced with limited options for support. Go Long for Luke has partnered with Delray Beach residents Josh and Nicole Ruderman in a mission to construct a group home for individuals with autism. Josh and Nicole have a daughter, Alex, who is on the autism spectrum. Luke and Alex previously were classmates and became friends in Roslyn.

The Greenfield and Ruderman families are determined with their shared pursuit of creating opportunities and providing support for individuals with autism. They purchased a lot in Jupiter in 2022 to build a future group home for both genders, which will be designed for age 22 and older. They envision the property to be about 6,500 square feet with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms and it will incorporate a daily recreational program. The individuals will have the opportunity to participate in several activities, including interacting with each other on an outside basketball court and playground as well as learning with computer programs and puzzles. They anticipate the group home will be ready by 2027.

“Luke and Alex have very similar interests,” Sophie said. “We always envisioned doing something together with their family. This is our No. 1 priority and it’s going to take time to raise the funds needed so we can build this group home for boys and girls with autism who age out of school.”

Luke, who is limited in his speech, enjoys technology and loves being on the computer and iPad. He enjoys learning and watching programs, including “Dora & Diego” and “Sesame Street.” He also enjoys sports, including playing basketball and football with his family.

“Luke can say a few words in his vocabulary and he has a good routine,” Sophie said. “He is very good at typing to communicate with us. It’s amazing because he is so fast at typing. He is perfect at writing, spelling and with his punctuation. He understands and comprehends so many different languages. He loves to film videos on his phone and iPad. He has a big passion for filmmaking. It’s something he would love to do.”

Visit golongforluke.org.