Here’s something to put a smile on your face this morning other than the Sixers’ Game 5 demolition of the Nets. Phillies owner John Middleton and his wife Leigh have donated $100,000 to the Eagles Autism Challenge. The challenge, to be held on Saturday, May 18th, is a one-day bike ride and family-friendly 5K run/walk beginning and ending at Lincoln Financial Field. One hundred percent of the Middleton family’s contributed funds will be offered to new and existing challenge participants via the Middleton Matching Gift Challenge, with the first $100,000 in online donations being matched dollar-for-dollar.

John Middleton said the following:

“The Eagles are a world-class organization both on and off the field and we are proud to be part of their effort to drive autism research and improve the lives of millions of people around the world.”

His wife Leigh stated:

“John and I are honored to support the Eagles Autism Challenge and our friends, the Lurie’s, with their incredible movement to advance scientific breakthroughs and establish Philadelphia as the center for autism research.”

Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie expressed his gratitude to the Middleton family:

“On behalf of my family and the Philadelphia Eagles, I would like to graciously thank John and Leigh for their extreme generosity and commitment, not just to the Eagles Autism Challenge but to the autism community. A contribution like this says a lot about someone’s character, thoughtfulness and compassion for others. John and Leigh are admired humanitarians who, together, have made a deep and profound philanthropic impact in the Philadelphia region and beyond. Our hope is that the Middleton’s generosity will inspire leadership support and further position our city as a base for autism research.”

If you want to learn more and/or make a donation, check out the Eagles Autism Challenge.