Alpha Xi Delta sorority hosts annual Color Run to raise money for Autism Speaks
By Allison Bellucci, Contributing Writer
(Left to right) Alex Bradsell, Patricia Marut and Sydney Baker show off their painted clothes and faces after participating in the 2014 Alpha Xi Delta’s Step It Up 5K on Sunday.
On Sunday, Oct. 5., the sisters of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority paired up with the organization Autism Speaks. Kicking the year off with a burst of color, Alpha Xi Delta held a notorious Color Run on campus to raise money for New Hampshire services, family services and awareness: Alpha Xi Delta’s Step It Up 5K.
Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as ASD or autism, is a complex disorder of brain development. One in 68 children have been diagnosed this year with an autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
The article “Costs of Autism” on the Autism Speaks website references research to a study done between families, both with and without an autistic child. “The largest chunk of additional costs was for school-based special education services — an average of $8,610 per child per year. Next came an additional $3,020 in annual medical costs per child with autism.”
With the annual cost for a family to support a child with autism having no small price tag, Autism Speaks not only raises money for research, but also helps support these families. Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, according to their website.
The national chapter of Alpha Xi Delta has a partnership with Autism Speaks. Over the years, the sorority raised money for the organization. Last spring, Alpha Xi Delta raised over $2 million, UNH Alpha Xi Delta president Alyssa Holland said.
Kate O’Neill, senior director for the New England chapter of Autism Speaks, couldn’t be more thrilled to work with the University of New Hampshire’s Alpha Xi Delta chapter.
“The women here are so amazing. They do such a good job organizing and getting the word out. It’s not just surface for them, they are really involved. We are very proud they have chosen us as the charity of choice. O’Neill said.
Ariana Greene, member of Alpha Xi Delta and event coordinator for the Color Run, thought this run would bring more people together in hopes of raising as many funds as possible. Greene was proud to announce that Alpha Xi Delta made a total of $2,800 between online registrations/donations, cash donations, registrations and a donation from Ross Furniture Co. in Dover.
For Holland, raising money for Autism hits home. Holland＊s cousin, a recent Wheelock College graduate, is affected by Autism. ※He is so amazing and is just so happy to live life. It makes me appreciate everything that I have and makes today something so special for me.
