Former Philadelphia Eagles centre Jason Kelce and his wife, podcaster Kylie, have once again made a significant impact off the football field. The influential couple of the National Football League has raised a record-breaking $1.26 million through the sixth annual Team 62 fundraiser in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, for the Eagles Autism Foundation.
The couple announced the milestone after last week’s event at the Ocean Drive, where current Eagles players, team legends, and fans came together to support the Eagles Autism Foundation.
According to the organization, the latest total brings Team 62’s fundraising efforts to more than $3.69 million since 2021, with proceeds supporting cutting-edge autism research and care programs.
Heartwarming support by Jason Kelce and Kylie for the autism community in the United States
In a joint statement released by the Eagles, Jason and Kylie thanked everyone who helped make this year’s fundraiser the most successful in the event’s history.
“We are beyond thankful for everyone’s support and generosity in setting a Team 62 fundraising record,” Jason and Kylie Kelce said. “While we are certainly humbled by the overwhelming success this year, it’s not surprising when you’re surrounded by such an incredible group of people.”
The couple also credited Ocean Drive for embracing the idea when it first began in 2021 and thanked the Eagles organization, the community of Sea Isle City, and fans for continuing to support the autism community.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 31 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A 2020 study also estimated that 5.4 million U.S. adults are autistic. In total, more than 7 million Americans are believed to be on the autism spectrum.
Many autistic people and their families face daily challenges, from accessing healthcare and therapy to finding educational and employment support. While there is no official count for Philadelphia, national estimates suggest 35,000 to 45,000 residents in the city are autistic.
But fundraisers like Team 62 help support research, care programs, and resources that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Beyond the celebrity bartending event, Team 62 raised money through several activities. It includes the fourth annual Beer Bowl at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club, a family-friendly All Abilities clinic at Excursion Park, beach yoga, an online auction, and donations from supporters around the world.
Ryan Hammond, executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, praised the Kelces for helping transform Team 62 into one of the organization’s biggest annual fundraisers.
“It is their passion, creative vision, and drive that have transformed this annual fundraiser into one of our biggest events,” Hammond said. “We are truly fortunate to have their support and would like to thank everyone, in person and around the world, who helped make this year’s Team 62 fundraiser a year to remember.”
The record-setting total is another reminder of the impact Jason and Kylie Kelce continue to make beyond football, with their annual fundraiser providing meaningful support for autism research and care programs through the Eagles Autism Foundation.