DBA International Hosts Charity Golf Event for Autism

 On Tuesday, Feb. 9, DBA International and Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization, will host a charity golf outing for autism support and research.

This will be the second annual autism charity outing co-hosted by DBA. It will be held at luxury golf course Shadow Creek in Las Vegas in advance of DBA’s annual conference and expo; a shot gun tee will commence at 10 am.

The charity event was started by DBA board member Samir Shah. Shah has been actively involved with charities for autism since his son was diagnosed four years ago.

“Last year, with the economy being what it was and the industry being what it was, we were really under attack just like all related banking financial services. I thought maybe this would be a good idea to do something charitable,” Shah told insideARM. "I wanted to give everybody a chance to do something charitable; that everybody can participate in.

Participants are charged $1500 per golfer to attend the event. 

In 2009, the event raised $38,000. It is expected to be north of $40k this year. All net proceeds will go to Autism Speaks with a small potion going to DBA.

According to Shah, the outing is primarily if not 100 percent composed of people from the industry.

Roger Knauf, executive director of DBA said, "DBA is proud to be a co-sponsor of the golf tournament to benefit Autism Speaks. We are pleased to do our part to support the collaborative efforts in the areas of science, research and epidemiology."

Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to communicate, form relationships and relate to surroundings.  It affects one in every 110 children, and one in every 50 boys. Researchers indicate that more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Anyone can donate to the fund. Donations should be labeled “2010 DBA Outing” and sent to:

Autism Speaks
Attention: Brian Han
5455 Wilshire Blvd Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90036