Winner Volkswagen Takes a Step for Autism - Eagles Autism Challenge 2026
There's no shortage of ways to stay busy at a car dealership. But every once in a while, something comes along that makes you want to step outside the day-to-day and do something that actually means something. For us, this is one of those things. This spring, the Winner Volkswagen team is joining as virtual participants in the 9th annual Eagles Autism Challenge presented by Lincoln Financial — the Philadelphia Eagles' annual push for autism research and care, happening Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field.
We won't be running through South Philly or cycling along the Schuylkill. On Thursday, May 8th, we'll be walking our own lot — nothing fancy, just our team, our pavement, and a cause worth getting up for. That's enough for us.
If you want to add your support to ours, we'd be grateful. Every dollar donated to our page goes straight to autism research and care through the Eagles Autism Foundation — no cuts, no overhead, no exceptions.
Support Winner VW's Eagles Autism Challenge team — donate here.
Why This One Matters to Us
Autism is one of those things that has a way of touching almost every circle of people, sooner or later. Some of our team members know this firsthand — not as a statistic, but as a daily reality for someone they love. Others of us just understand that when the numbers are this big, it's hard to look away.
The CDC estimates 1 in 31 people under 21 in the United States are on the autism spectrum. Behind that number are kids in classrooms, adults trying to find work, and families navigating systems that weren't built with them in mind. Research is moving — but it needs money, and it needs people willing to keep the pressure on.
The Eagles Autism Foundation has funded more than 150 research projects and community grants since it was founded. Early diagnostics, communication therapies, employment programs that help neurodiverse adults build real careers. The Eagles also employ 30 neurodiverse staff in game-day operations, and Lincoln Financial Field now includes a sensory room and a mobile sensory-friendly vehicle. These aren't gestures. They're commitments.
At Winner VW, we try to operate the same way — with the understanding that being part of a community means more than just being open for business. The Eagles Autism Challenge is a cause worth putting our name behind.
About the Eagles Autism Challenge
Jeffrey Lurie launched the Eagles Autism Challenge in 2018, and it's grown into one of the most significant autism fundraisers in professional sports. The 2025 event brought in a record $10 million in a single day, pushing the all-time total past $40 million. More than 7,000 people participated. Every dollar raised by participants went directly to research and care — not to put on the event, not to pay for marketing.
The 9th annual challenge takes place Saturday, May 9 at Lincoln Financial Field. There are several ways to get involved:
Cycling: The 30-Mile Wawa Classic takes riders through Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The 10-Mile Wawa Shorti is a shorter option, and the 10-Mile Youth Wawa Junior is open to riders ages 13–18.
Running & Walking: The FreedomPay 5K Run/Walk is a certified US Track & Field course through the neighborhoods around Lincoln Financial Field. For families and participants who need a quieter experience, the West Sensory Walk offers a shorter loop around the stadium perimeter.
Virtual Participation: Can't be in Philly? You don't have to be. Register as a virtual participant, fundraise from wherever you are, and still be part of the event's total impact — which is exactly how we're doing it on May 8th.
Every route ends on the field at Lincoln Financial Field, where participants are greeted by Eagles players, coaches, and alumni. And 100% of what participants raise goes to the Eagles Autism Foundation. Every dollar from our page included.
Walking the Lot, Making the Point
We're not going to pretend that walking a car lot in Dover is the same as crossing the finish line at the Linc. It's not. But showing up matters even when it's unglamorous, and the fundraising we do from here is just as real as anyone else's. Our steps on May 8th count toward a collective total that funds actual science and actual programs for people who need them.
The fundraising window runs through the end of May — so even if you find this page after we've already done our walk, your donation still goes directly to the Eagles Autism Foundation. It still counts.
Three Ways to Get Involved
Donate to our page. Takes a couple of minutes, and every dollar goes to autism research and care with no minimums and no administrative fees skimmed off. You can donate right here.
Share this page. Not everyone is in a position to give right now, but most people know someone who is. Passing this along costs nothing and it genuinely expands the reach.
Register for the Challenge yourself at EaglesAutismChallenge.org. Ride, run, walk, or go virtual — there's a format for just about everyone, and you'd be joining an event that has raised over $40 million for autism since 2018.
Ready to donate? Click here to support Winner VW's Eagles Autism Challenge team.
From all of us at Winner Volkswagen of Dover: thank you. Every step we take on May 8th exists because of the community that's shown up for us over the years — customers, neighbors, friends, people who trusted us with something as personal as their next car. This is our way of putting that trust to work for something bigger. We're glad you're here.
