Community Corner

VIDEO: Flutie Bowl Raises $45K for Children With Autism

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism hosted the 9th Annual Flutie Bowl Monday night, raising $45,000. More than 300 were in attendance, including numerous professional athletes.

More than 300 athletes, fans and donors came together for the ninth annual Flutie Bowl Monday night at in Dedham to raise $45,000 for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. Natick native Doug Flutie bowled with current and former New England Patriots players, Julian Edelman, Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown, Zoltan Mesko, Max Lane, Taylor Twellman, Steve Grogan and Ronnie Lippett. Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Jim Corsi and boxer Richie Lamontagne were also in attendance.

Flutie and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in 2000 in honor of their son who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

"Dougie lives life with a smile on his face. He is non-verbal so his communicative skills aren't good—he can't talk, he still has a lot of challenges. He will be dependent on us the rest of his life but his awareness level is fantastic," said Flutie of Doug Jr., now 20. "He is a handful at home because he's a big boy now, but boy, he's the happiest kid in the world, he's got us all beat in that respect and he's getting better everyday."

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Attendees purchased either a $50 spectator or $100 All-Star ticket to participate in the event. Autographed sports memorabilia was included in a silent auction to raise more money for the foundation. The Flutie Brothers Band, featuring Doug on drums and his brother Darren on guitar, performed for the crowd.

To find out more about the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and to donate, visit the foundation's website.

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