UD coach supports Autism Delaware
University of Delaware head football coach K.C. Keeler presented Autism Delaware with a $12,500 check recently at the 10th Annual Drive for Autism, a celebrity golf outing held at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington. The outing is the single largest annual fundraiser to support Autism Delaware’s activities throughout the state.
"KC has been involved with the Drive for Autism since its inception," said Artie Kempner, Drive for Autism chairman. "He has been a great supporter of Autism Delaware and exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the community. We're honored that Coach Keeler shared this prestigious award with Autism Delaware."
In January 2011, Keeler was awarded the 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Coach of the Year award, which recognizes the nation’s premier football coaches for their sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility and excellence, on and off the field. Keeler won over five other Football Championship Series (FCS) candidates through a combination of votes by fans, media, and the College Football Hall of Fame. As part of the award, Liberty Mutual made a $50,000 charitable donation to the organizations of Keeler’s choice.
As well as supporting Autism Delaware, Keeler and his wife Janice chaired the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware’s 2006 One Campaign. Additionally, Keeler is involved with the Jason Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to youth suicide prevention, and the National Marrow Donor program, in which Keeler helped to double Delaware donors in 2010. Keeler and his football players also regularly volunteer at local food banks, Special Olympics events, and the A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital.
“I believe it’s so important to give back to the community, especially when that community has given you so much,” said Keeler. “Autism Delaware is working to help hundreds of individuals with autism across the state, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”
Keeler’s donation will support the many programs and services offered by Autism Delaware. These include support programs like the Parent Coffee Hour; recreational programs such as camp, bowling, Lego Club, and Teen/Tween Asperger’s Game Night; and POW&R, the adult services program that provides adults with opportunities to volunteer, intern, and work in the community.
To learn more about Autism Delaware, please visit delautism.org.
