Athletes Against Autism: 3rd Annual Golf Tourney Brings Out The Pros, Raises $290k

Held for the third straight year at the Sandpiper Golf Club in Santa Barbara, the Athletes Against Autism (AAA) Golf Tournament welcomed over 30 athletes and celebs who teed it up for autism research, awareness, treatment programs, and the relentless pursuit of a cure. Founded by NHLers Olie Kolzig, Byron Dafoe, and Scott Mellanby, (all dads of children with autism), AAA is an initiative of Autism Speaks. The night before the Cadillac-sponsored tourney, over 150 guests gathered at the gorgeous Bacara Resort for a dinner program and silent and live auctions.

Olie Kolzig, Athletes Against Autism Founder

Monday saw current and former NFL, MLB, AVP, and NHL players knock the little white ball around, followed by an oceanside BBQ and awards reception.

Current and former AVP vollleyball stars Dain Blanton, Sinjin Smith, Jason Olive

Hugbacker had the privilege of chatting with the three founders of AAA; keep reading to see what the guys had to say about their journey. Read the rest of this entry »