DBA International Golf Outing Raises Tens of Thousands for Autism Speaks

McLean, Va. – The Third Annual Autism Speaks-DBA International Charity Golf Outing raised more than $35,000 to benefit Autism Speaks, whose mission is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders, and the DBA International Legislative Fund.

The event, which was held February 8th, 2011 at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, has become an annual tradition prior to the start of DBA International’s annual conference and is a great opportunity for participants to treat their best clients and themselves to a unique golf experience at one of the best golf courses in the country.   The charity event was started by DBA International Board Member Samir Shah, who has been raising money for charities for autism since his son was diagnosed five years ago.

Samir helps to run the golf outing and said this year’s outing was one of its best ever. “Shadow Creek is an incredible venue for this event, and Monte Montgomery, Shadow Creek’s Director of Golf, and his fantastic staff led by Assistant Director of Golf John Carzoo, have been extremely supportive of this event each year.  We encourage all DBA members and conference attendees to participate next year for a great time that benefits a tremendous cause,” Shah said.

Ten percent of the net proceeds from the golf outing also benefit the DBA International Legislative Fund.  The DBA International Legislative Fund helps debt buyers maintain a strong voice in Washington, DC, and in states around the U.S., where advocacy plays a critical role in protecting the debt buying industry.

Michael Bendickson, President of DBA International, said, “DBA is proud to be a co-sponsor of the annual golf outing to benefit Autism Speaks.  This outing highlights how passionate DBA members are about contributing to their communities, and we are excited to support collaborative areas of science, research and epidemiology.”

Anyone who still wishes to make a donation to the golf outing should send a payment made out to “2011 DBA Outing” and sent to:

Autism Speaks
Attention: Brandy Wiegand
1338 South Foothill Drive, Suite 156
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Donations to the DBA Legislative Fund should be made out to “DBA Legislative Fund” and sent to:

DBA International
8400 Westpark Drive, 2nd Floor
McLean, Virginia  22102

About DBA International
DBA International is the trade association and voice for the debt buying industry.  DBA sets ethical and business conduct standards for the industry.  Debt buyers are financial institutions that purchase uncollected accounts from originating lenders for less than the face value of the debt.  Debt buyers are therefore able to settle debts with consumers at deep discounts. This allows a consumer to improve their credit record and, by doing so, to increase their access to, and reduce their cost of credit. http://dbainternational.org/

About Autism and About Autism Speaks
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).  Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism.

Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, 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.  For more information on Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org