Fourth Annual DBA International Golf Outing Raises Thousands for Autism Speaks

The Fourth Annual DBA International Charity Golf Outing raised tens of thousands of dollars to benefit Autism Speaks, whose mission is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.  Over the past four years, DBA International participants and their guests have combined with generous donors to raise more than $130,000 for Autism Speaks.

The event, which was held February 7, 2012 at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, has become an annual tradition prior to the start of DBA International’s annual conference for the nation’s debt buying industry and is a great opportunity for participants to treat their clients and themselves to a unique golf experience.   The charity event was started by DBA International Board Member Samir Shah, who has been raising money for charities for autism since his son was diagnosed six years ago.

“Shadow Creek is an incredible venue for this event, and Monte Montgomery, Shadow Creek’s Director of Golf, and his fantastic staff led by Assistant Director of Golf John Carzoo, have been extremely supportive of this event each year.  We encourage all DBA members and conference attendees to experience one of the greatest golf courses in the world and also to donate to a great cause.  We encourage all DBA Annual Conference attendees to consider working our golf outing into their plans for 2013,” Shah said.

Since its inception, several companies have been stalwart supporters of the DBA International Charity Gold Outing, including PCI Group, SquareTwo Financial, TrakAmerica, Cavalry Portfolio Services and Garnet Capital.  “These companies have been truly amazing in their on-going support of this worthy cause,” Shah said.

“The DBA International Golf Outing is a great awareness and fundraising vehicle,” said Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr. “Their support will help fund critical research into the causes and treatments of autism.”

As always, ten percent of the net proceeds from the golf outing also benefit the DBA International Legislative Fund.  The DBA International Legislative Fund helps debt buyers maintain a strong voice in Washington, DC, and in states around the U.S., where advocacy plays a critical role in protecting the debt buying industry.

Michael Bendickson, President of DBA International, said, “DBA is proud to be a co-sponsor of the annual golf outing to benefit Autism Speaks.  This outing highlights how passionate DBA members are about contributing to their communities, and we are excited to support collaborative areas of science, research and epidemiology.”

Anyone who still wishes to make a donation to the golf outing should send a payment made out to “2012 DBA Outing” and sent to:

Autism Speaks
Attention: Heidi Naranjo
668 North 44th Street, Suite 300
Phoenix, Arizona  85008
Donations to the DBA Legislative Fund should be made out to “DBA Legislative Fund” and sent to:

DBA International
Attention:  Jan Stieger, Executive Director
1050 Fulton Avenue, Suite 120
Sacramento, California   95825

DBA International is the trade association and voice for the debt buying industry.  DBA sets ethical and business conduct standards for the industry.  Debt buyers are financial institutions that purchase uncollected accounts from originating lenders for less than the face value of the debt.  Debt buyers are therefore able to settle debts with consumers at deep discounts. This allows a consumer to improve their credit record and, by doing so, to increase their access to, and reduce their cost of credit.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

Autism Speaks, founded in 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.