Jason Kelce autographs the shirt of 9-year-old Lily Bowen.
Jason Kelce’s autism awareness fundraiser in Sea Isle City last week brought in more than $1 million, shattering the previous record and generating plenty of online chatter about the former Eagles star’s surprise strip down in a Speedo.
Kelce headlined a group of current and former Eagles for the Eagles Autism Foundation and his “Team 62” charity fundraiser Wednesday at O’Donnell’s Pour House and its sister property, the Ocean Drive bar and nightclub.
“We would like to thank everyone who graciously contributed to this year’s record-breaking Team 62 at the Ocean Drive fundraiser,” Kelce and his wife, Kylie, said in a news release. “The growth of this event over the past five years is a testament to the generosity of Eagles fans everywhere and their ongoing commitment to the global autism community.”
For the fifth year in a row, Kelce played the role of celebrity bartender at the fundraiser. Joining him this year were current and former Eagles players, including Cooper DeJean, Sydney Brown, Brandon Graham, Landon Dickerson, Hollis Thomas and Connor Barwin.
Hundreds of Eagles fans attending the fundraiser were surprised when Kelce suddenly climbed up on a chair and pulled off his shorts to reveal a patriotic-themed Speedo bathing suit underneath. Video and photos of the Speedo-clad former Pro-Bowl and All-Pro center went viral.
The $1 million raised this year broke the previous record of $865,000 and boosted the event’s total fundraising for autism support and awareness to more than $2.4 million during its five-year history.
“A special shout-out to all the current and former players and celebrity guests who showed up to make the event so special for our supporters,” Jason and Kylie Kelce said in the release. “To collectively raise more than $1 million in under a week for such an important cause is truly inspiring and serves as yet another reminder that Eagles fans are the greatest in the world.”
Before the main fundraiser got underway, Kelce and other Eagles players signed autographs and posed for photos with fans during a family-friendly event hosted by the Eagles Autism Foundation in Sea Isle’s oceanfront Excursion Park. Called “the Eagles Takeover of Excursion Park,” the event included an array of family activities, including mini-football.
The fundraising event stretched into a second day when Kelce held a Beer Bowl championship Thursday at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City that had a grand prize of $50,000 up for grabs for the winner.
“A lot of credit goes to Jason and Kylie Kelce – two respected members of our organization who serve as proud ambassadors for the autism community,” Ryan Hammond, the executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation, said in a statement. “Their vision, creativity, and support enable us to further our mission and reach even more individuals and families affected by autism.”
“We are grateful to the Ocean Drive, the Sea Isle City Yacht Club, the entire Sea Isle community, and the many donors, sponsors, volunteers, and patrons who helped make this the greatest Team 62 fundraiser yet,” Hammond added.
Drew Mills, with his father, Bubba Mills, shows off his autographed Jason Kelce portrait.
