Craig Powell

I’m Craig Powell, COO at Natura Life + Science. This year at the Capital Cup, I’m playing for Autism Speaks — a cause that hits close to home for our team.

My daughter Carlyn is a Senior Developmental Paraprofessional. Every day she shows up for children with developmental differences — with patience, skill, and a passion that reminds me why this work matters. And our VP of Business Development and partner, Josh Schmidt, is the father of a son on the spectrum. At Natura, autism awareness isn’t an abstract cause. It’s personal.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for autistic people across the lifespan — through advocacy, services and supports, research and innovation, and better care for individuals and families. Donations fuel that mission: earlier support, stronger resources, and real pathways to opportunity.

At the Capital Cup, every gift goes to the charity I’m playing for. The winning team’s charities also share a $100,000 prize fund — so your donation doesn’t just help Autism Speaks today. It helps us compete for even more impact.

If this cause matters to you — or you simply want to back a team that lives it — I’d be grateful for your support. Any amount helps. Share this page. Join the effort. Let’s make Autism Speaks louder together.

The Capital Cup adapts the historic Ryder Cup format—steeped in tradition—to promote community pride, healthy competition, and raise money for the Sacramento region’s most deserving charities. Each year, leaders from the Sacramento region are divided into two teams for an exciting 3-day golf competition. Donors have the opportunity to support their favorite player (or their favorite charity), as each player is competing to benefit his or her favorite charitable organization. The winning team's designated charities share a prize fund of $100,000! The tournament started with the ambitious goal of raising $250,000 in its first year. When it well surpassed that goal, the tournament committee raised the bar, and has continued to do so every year since—and every year, the participating golfers exceed expectations. The Capital Cup has raised more than $20 million over its history.