Learning your child has autism can be a devastating and confusing experience for a family. On May 7, golf enthusiasts will raise funding and awareness of a disorder that affects 1 in every 110 births in the U.S. and nearly 1 in 70 boys.

Lily’s Foundation, a newly formed non-profit organization in Everett, will host the first annual Tee It Up Fore Autism Awareness, presented by Honda of Kirkland. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit Autism Speaks. The event will include a 4-person scramble, tournament giveaways, prizes and dinner following golf at The Golf Club at Echo Falls.

“As a parent of an autistic child, I am intensely aware of the impact autism spectrum disorders have not only on children, but on their families,” said Dan Engel, Lily’s Foundation president. “For many children, early detection is critical. And thanks to the many resources provided by organizations like Autism Speaks, our family was able to recognize the signs when our daughter was just 2 years old. Two years later, Lily’s progress has been nothing short of inspiring as she battles this disorder.”

The foundation’s mission is to raise funding for local and national organizations that are dedicated to the treatment and advocacy of those with autism spectrum disorders.

The event begins at 1 p.m. May 7 at The Golf Club at Echo Falls in Snohomish. To sponsor the tournament, contact Dan Engel at 206-992-6508 or danengel@lilysfoundation.org.