Jazz Guard Joe Ingles Working To Raise Money For Autism Awareness Month
Apr 1, 2021, 4:23 PM | Updated: 5:43 pm
Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in action during a opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Joe Ingles is teaming with Vivint and Charitybuzz to raise money during Autism Awareness Month. The Utah Jazz guard posted a video to his Instagram page discussing his time with the Jazz, to the birth and diagnosis of his son Jacob who has Autism.
April is Autism Awareness Month, which includes World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
The guard is father to three children, including twins Jacob and Milla who were born in 2016. In February 2019, Jacob was diagnosed with Autism.
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“When I came here six years ago, I was chasing a dream, a dream I would never expect to find here,” Ingles said in the video. “But I did, I found a team that gave me a chance. In Utah, I realized life is bigger than basketball. I found a new family here, and started one on my own.”
Ingles and his wife Renae were professional athletes in Europe and Australia before Ingles made the Jazz final roster in 2014. Seven years later, the Jazz guard and his family have become a staple in the Utah community, often using their platform to raise money for those with intellectual disabilities.
On Wednesday, Ingles announced he would be teaming with Charitybuzz, an online company that raises funds for nonprofit organizations through online charity auctions, to help raise money throughout Autism Awareness Month.
“I’m grateful to have teammates, peers, and close friends in the sports and entertainment industry that are willing to donate items like: game worn jerseys, autographed shoes PLUS experiences like: virtual Q+A, private workout classes and more,” Ingles posted.
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“Be on the lookout all month long because we’ll be auctioning a new item every day!! The funds raised by the highest bidders will go towards @4ASDKidsCharity in Australia and to fund local SLC scholarships to pay off Autism therapy bills.”
Additionally, the guard is teaming with Vivint as part of the Vivint Gives Back to raise money during the month.
“Join @VivintGivesBack and @UtahJazz to help fund education in our community for those who need it most. Give now by texting JAZZDONATE to 44-321,” Ingles wrote.
Ingles in the midst of a career year with the Jazz. The guard is shooting a personal-best 53 percent from the floor and 48 percent from the three-point line while averaging 11.9 points per game.
