Jim, Jack Harbaugh to speak at autism awareness function May 18
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and his father, former U-M assistant and NCAA head coach Jack Harbaugh, will be speakers at the Xavier DeGroat Autism Awareness function to be held Weds., May 18 at the Michigan Union in Ann Arbor from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Jim Brandstatter will emcee.
Former Michigan greats Billy Taylor, Thom Darden and Fritz Seyferth, along with many others, will be in attendance in the support of autism awareness/acceptance.
TICKETS: JOIN XDAF in supporting AUTISM AWARENESS WITH JIM HARBAUGH. Meet & greet opportunities, more
DeGroat, an autistic man, started his foundation to create and promote opportunities for people with autism through advocacy, education, economic opportunities, and humanitarian efforts. He’s taken his mission national and has been befriended along the way by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani among several others impressed with his drive and mission.
“I started the foundation because I want to help others with similar challenges I faced being told what I can and cannot do,” he said. “But more importantly, to make sure families and children with autism can have enjoyment and feel connected to society rather than being separated because of their differences.”
His mission hit home for the Harbaugh family, Jack Harbaugh noted. Assistant coach Jay Harbaugh’s son, Jacob — Jim’s grandson and Jack’s grandson — was diagnosed with autism about six months ago. The Harbaughs had already committed to the cause two years earlier before the pandemic canceled DeGroat’s first attempt at the event, but now it’s even closer to their hearts.
“After we met Xavier and then had a chance to experience this, our passion grew, and this became now for us one of our main goals,” Jack Harbaugh said. “To bring recognition to autism and the things that can be done to make it better for people with autism.”
DeGroat has done plenty of that already. He opened an autism museum in the Meridian Mall in Lansing in February, highlighting people who have done incredible things while on the spectrum, and continues to raise awareness for the cause.
That he’s a Michigan fan who grew up near East Lansing isn’t lost on him. He went to Grand Ledge High School, too, home of former Michigan basketball player Jon Horford.
“The funny part is, my dad is natural Michigan fan. He’ll get grumpy if Michigan loses,” DeGroat said. “He used to watch Lloyd Carr’s teams, and I used to remember watching them when I was a kid. Tom Brady and Mike Hart were our heroes.
“But more importantly, I thought I’d better go on to the University of Michigan and break down the boundary as an autistic that I can have capabilities to increase awareness of autism by having some profound names participate in it.”
Tickets for the event include VIP opportunities with a meet and greet and photos with Jim Harbaugh and the other U-M greats. Those go for $300 and can also be ordered at XavierDeGroatFoundation.org. General admission tickets are $150, $50 for Michigan students.
The Harbaughs are honored to be a part of DeGroat’s mission.
“What an impressive young man he is, I’ll tell you that,” Jack Harbaugh said of DeGroat. “I’m in awe of his energy, work ethic and passion.”
