Alpha Xi raises funds, awareness for autism group

Since 2009, the sorority sisters of Alpha Xi Delta have partnered with Autism Speaks, a national autism charity dedicated to  “researching the causes, prevention, treatment and an eventual cure for autism,” according to www.autismspeaks.org.

Alpha Xi sister and sophomore Caitlin Mundt said she decided to get involved with the initiative because of a personal tie to the cause.

“My cousin was diagnosed with autism when he was a toddler. My extended family has participated in the walk in downtown Chicago to honor him. Basically, I want to help him and kids like him,” Mundt said.

With this year’s fundraising efforts not quite finished, the IU chapter has raised more than $5,000 for the organization.

“Nationally, Alpha Xi Delta has raised over $400,000 since the partnership began in 2009,” said Janelle Velkoff, Alpha Xi Delta philanthropy chairwoman.

“Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the signature fundraising event, is held annually with more than 80 walks throughout the country. Each year, thousands of Alpha Xi Deltas participate as walkers, team captains and volunteers. Since 2009, Alpha Xi Delta has had more than 260 teams and more than 4,000 registered walkers,” Velkoff said.

Velkoff said she hopes the event will mobilize IU students.

“The fundraising events help bring awareness to students on IU’s campus about the severity of ASD,” she said.

“We also hope that students are more aware of organizations like Autism Speaks so they may become more involved. The money raised by these events is helping facilitate research and bringing us one step closer to a cure.”

Velkoff said IU’s chapter plans to kick off the school year with its first annual Xi Marks the Spot, a campuswide scavenger hunt that will end with a barbecue. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.