PLAY FORE RARE: Swing for Awareness, Drive Research: Aces Fore Austin 2026
- Austin 1st Foundation
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Don’t wait, register to GOLF - SPONSOR - DONATE for the 4th Annual Aces Fore Austin Charity Golf Scramble and help drive real change.
Building Momentum, Creating Impact
Each year, Aces Fore Austin continues to grow, not just in participation, but in impact. From funding research to supporting hospital programs, your involvement helps create a ripple effect of hope for families across Alabama and beyond.
This isn’t just a golf tournament. It’s a day where community meets purpose.
Where generosity turns into action. And where every swing helps drive change.
Hosted at the RTJ Grand National Lakes Course in Opelika, Alabama, Aces provides a chance to come together as a community to create real change for families impacted by rare diseases. What started as a way to honor Austin’s legacy has grown into a movement, bringing people together to raise awareness, fund critical programs, and support families navigating the unknown.
Your support helps the 1 in 10 Americans who live with a rare disease and the over 400,000 Alabamians who are affected. That is nearly 8.5% of the total population in Alabama. Your support matters and makes a difference!
Ways to Get Involved
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, a local business, or someone passionate about making a difference, there’s a way for you to be part of this event:
1. PLAY - Sign Up To Golf
Imagine spending the day on one of Alabama’s premier courses, taking in the scenery while playing for a purpose.
Rally your friends, coworkers, or clients to form a team, or sign up individually and we’ll pair you with a great group. Every swing goes beyond the scorecard, helping fund vital research and provide support for families navigating rare diseases.
2. Sponsor
Businesses and organizations have a chance to make a real difference by partnering with Aces Fore Austin.
With a range of sponsorship opportunities available, there’s a level that fits every budget. Sponsoring this event not only strengthens the impact we’re making, but also connects your brand with a cause that truly matters.
3. Donate - $$ or Products
Don't golf or can’t make it out to the course? You can still play a meaningful role in the impact. Donate a raffle or silent auction item, whether it’s a unique experience, local gift package, or one-of-a-kind item—or make a financial contribution at any level.
Every donation helps further critical research and programs that provide answers, medical options, and hope for families facing rare diseases.
Why Your Support Matters
Rare diseases affect more people than most realize, yet research funding and resources are often limited as over 90% do not have FDA approved treatments. Families facing these challenges endure not only medical uncertainties but also emotional and financial stress. By participating in Aces Fore Austin, you’re helping to fund critical projects like:
Children’s Hospital of Alabama: Since the inaugural Aces Fore Austin, we've supported pediatric cancer research, pediatric ICU expansions, COA's Community Healthcare Education Simulation (COACHES Program), and specialized care resources that only philanthropic dollars can provide.
UAB Hospital's Undiagnosed Disease Program: A lifeline for families seeking answers when traditional diagnoses fall short. Many rare diseases are undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed, the UDP program at UAB impacts families that can't afford the high cost of these services and provides answers to an undiagnosed disease.
Oregon Health Science University Foundation’s UBA5 Drug Repurposing Research: Driving cutting-edge advancements in rare disease treatments. This program takes existing FDA approved drugs to research repurposing them to help provide treatments for rare diseases, like the UBA5 genetic mutation disease that Austin suffered from.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of change, providing hope and a brighter future for families across Alabama and beyond.
Get Involved & Be Part of Change Fore Rare
Don’t wait, register to GOLF - SPONSOR - DONATE for the 4th Annual Aces Fore Austin. Aces is shaping up to be a day full of purpose, community, and meaningful impact. Whether you're out on the course, stopping by to support, or giving from wherever you are, every action helps move the mission forward.
Will you join us?
More Than Golf — Here’s Why
A event organized by the Austin 1st Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity - See the impact we make and support our mission to be Champions for Rare Disease by raising awareness and research dollars for families in Alabama & beyond.
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