RISE for Autism Brings Golf Tournament to Davidsonville

After her son was diagnosed with Autism in 2003, Anne Arundel County mom Cheryl Antlitz began attending seminars and gathering as much information as she could about the disorder affecting her son.

Now she is leading the fight to help other individuals with autism and their families, and is brining a fundraiser to south county. 

Antlitz launched RISE for Autism in Severna Park in December 2011, after the Anne Arundel County Autism Society closed.

“After our county chapter closed, so did a lot of community outreach,” Antlitz said. “So that was a huge thing for Autism in Anne Arundel County that was just gone. There was no other true local organization that came out and did community outreach.”

RISE aims to spread awareness as well as provide community support and resources for local individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their families.

The organization provides grants for local families to assist with education and therapeutic programs not covered by insurance.

Last year, $13,000 in funding for the grants came from a golf tournament in Davidsonville. This year, RISE will be hosting the same golf tournament fundraiser on September 13, at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville.

Antlitz said all of the funds raised during the tournament help local families in need.

According to RISE, ASDs affect one in 88 children. Through raising awareness and support, Antlitz said she hopes RISE continues to make a difference for children like her son and their families.

“There’s such an increase of individuals being diagnosed both as children and late onset diagnosis with the increased criteria for autism,” Antliz said. “There is such a need to help service these individuals.”

The golf tournament will be held at Renditions on Central Avenue on September 12. A shotgun start will begin at 9 a.m. The cos is $126 for individuals or $500 for a foursome. The entry fee includes golf, a cart, breakfast, lunch and assorted beverages.

For more information on RISE for Autism, or to register for the golf tournament on September 12, visit the website.