Drafting a Difference: How Eagles Fans Can Support Autism Research at Chickie's & Pete's

PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 22, 2026 – As the anticipation for the NFL Draft reaches a fever pitch across Philadelphia, one of the city’s most iconic sports bars is channeling that energy into a powerful cause. On Thursday, April 23, Chickie's & Pete's in South Philly will transform its signature game-day excitement into a Draft Party with a purpose, with all proceeds benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation (EAF).

Hosted by local media personality Eric Emanuele, widely known to fans as @ERock_Eagles, the free event kicks off at 8:00 PM, inviting the public to celebrate football's biggest night while making a direct impact on autism research and care. The partnership represents a significant fusion of sports culture, corporate responsibility, and community philanthropy, offering fans a unique way to participate in the draft festivities.

The Ultimate Fan Experience with a Purpose

For attendees, the evening promises the quintessential Philadelphia sports experience—heightened by a shared charitable mission. As the first-round picks are announced, Chickie's & Pete's will donate a portion of all food sales between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM directly to the Eagles Autism Foundation. This provides a simple yet effective way for every fan enjoying a basket of Crabfries to contribute.

The party is more than just a viewing event. It will feature an array of activities designed to engage the community and maximize fundraising. Attendees can participate in exciting raffles for sought-after prizes and browse the EAF Yard Sale, a popular feature offering unique memorabilia and gear where all proceeds support the foundation. The combination of food and drink specials, the thrill of the draft, and opportunities to give back creates a dynamic atmosphere where community spirit and team passion intersect.

This event taps into a core element of Philadelphia's identity: leveraging its major sporting events for the greater good. It provides a platform for fans to come together, celebrate their team's future, and collectively support a cause that deeply resonates within the region, all without the cost of an admission ticket.

A Foundation Making a Tangible Impact

The beneficiary of the night's generosity, the Eagles Autism Foundation, has become a powerhouse in the world of philanthropy, championing a mission to turn autism awareness into concrete action. Since its launch in 2018, the foundation has raised over $50 million, funding a global portfolio of innovative research and care programs. One hundred percent of the funds raised by participants in its flagship events go directly to these initiatives.

Just this past February, the EAF announced its largest single-year funding distribution to date, committing an impressive $10.8 million to 54 cutting-edge research projects and community grants. This funding supports world-class institutions such as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Boston Children's Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic, advancing the science and understanding of autism on a global scale.

Beyond the laboratory, the foundation's impact is felt directly within the community. It has pioneered inclusive experiences, such as the state-of-the-art sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field, and hosts all-abilities clinics for football and cheerleading. Community grants are awarded to local organizations like the Pathway School, which provides specialized education and career support, and Popcorn for the People, a non-profit creating meaningful employment for neurodiverse adults. The funds raised during the Draft Party will help fuel these life-changing programs, reinforcing the direct line between a fan's contribution and a tangible, positive outcome for individuals and families affected by autism.

A Legacy of Community Partnership

For Chickie's & Pete's, this Draft Party is not an isolated act of charity but the latest chapter in a long and storied history of community engagement. Founded in 1977 as a single neighborhood bar in Mayfair, the family-owned business has woven corporate social responsibility into its brand identity as it expanded into a national sports-entertainment leader. The company reports donating over $125,000 annually to a diverse range of non-profits, including the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This event is a prime example of the restaurant's playbook: forging strategic partnerships that align with its sports-centric brand. In recent years, Chickie's & Pete's has collaborated with beloved Philadelphia Eagles figures to raise funds for their personal causes. A partnership with Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins in 2021 resulted in the "B DAWK IMPACT BURGER," with proceeds supporting his foundation's work in mental health. More recently, a 2025 collaboration with star wide receiver A.J. Brown on a limited-time wing flavor generated an $11,000 donation to his foundation, which also focuses on youth mental wellness.

By consistently aligning with figures and causes that matter to its patrons, Chickie's & Pete's has built a reputation that extends beyond its menu. This strategy demonstrates how a business can successfully merge its commercial interests with authentic community support, creating events that are both good for the brand and genuinely beneficial for the community it serves.

Philadelphia's Winning Playbook

The 2026 Draft Party is part of a broader, city-wide trend of harnessing the immense energy of professional sports for philanthropic endeavors. When Philadelphia hosted the NFL Draft in 2017, it generated nearly $95 million in economic impact and left a lasting charitable legacy through grants to local schools and community centers. Events like the one at Chickie's & Pete's continue this tradition on a grassroots level, proving that every business and fan can play a role.

Other local establishments are following a similar playbook. For instance, Tully's Restaurant in Clarks Summit is currently raffling Eagles memorabilia to raise $10,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation, showing a widespread commitment to the cause. The involvement of public figures like Eric Emanuele, who are deeply embedded in the fan community, further amplifies the message and reach of these initiatives.

As fans gather on Thursday night, they will be participating in more than just a draft party. They will be joining a city-wide movement that celebrates sports, community, and the collective power to make a difference, one draft pick and one donation at a time.