Indianapolis, IN- Representatives from Alpha Xi Delta will observe World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on April 2, in New York City with Autism Speaks. This day marks the third anniversary of Alpha Xi Delta’s partnership with Autism Speaks and kicks off Autism Awareness Month.
On Monday, April 2, Alpha Xi Delta representatives will attend The Today Show with members of Alpha Xi Delta’s Epsilon Lambda Chapter at Rider University, Iota Nu Chapter at Monmouth University, Zeta Eta Chapter at West Chester University, Theta Alpha Chapter at Millersville University and Theta Delta Chapter at Towson University. They will be promoting Light It Up Blue, Autism Speaks’ international campaign to help shine a light on autism.
After The Today Show, Alpha Xi Delta representatives will attend a brunch at the New York Stock Exchange and join Autism Speaks on the trading floor as they ring the opening bell. A live webcast of the bell ringing will be available at 9:29 a.m. EST at www.nyse.com/about/Video/newsbriefings.html.
“We hope our fundraising and awareness efforts can help put one more piece of the autism puzzle in place,” said Elysia Gallivan, Alpha Xi Delta’s National Executive Director and participant in the activities with Autism Speaks. “We are proud to celebrate the third anniversary of our partnership with Autism Speaks in New York City and are thankful to Autism Speaks for giving us an opportunity to showcase our amazing partnership with them at WAAD events. Alpha Xi Deltas across the country are helping to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.”
Joining Gallivan for the events will be Alpha Xi Delta staff members Annie Hallsten, Alpha Xi Delta’s Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager and Lauren Felts, Director of Communications and Marketing.
On April 3, Annie Hallsten will represent Alpha Xi Delta at the United Nations to attend a panel discussion about autism that will be led by autism research scientists and autism advocates.
In addition to the activities in New York, Alpha Xi Delta Sisters from coast to coast will observe World Autism Awareness Day by wearing blue, shining a light on autism by illuminating chapter houses and campus monuments blue to support Light It Up Blue and hosting AmaXIng Challenge events in their communities and on college campuses. AmaXIng Challenge events are Alpha Xi Delta’s premiere fundraising event for Autism Speaks.
The Light It Up Blue campaign, now in its third year, is an effort to illuminate prominent buildings across the world in blue light to help raise autism awareness and commemorate World Autism Awareness Day. This campaign is hosted by Autism Speaks.
Anyone who wishes to support Autism Speaks throughout April for World Autism Awareness Month may do so by joining Alpha Xi Delta’s Virtual Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Participants can register for the Virtual Walk by joining the team established in their state. The fee to register is $10. Visit walk.autismspeaks.org/alphaxidelta to learn more.
About Alpha Xi Delta
Since 2009, Alpha Xi Delta has raised more than $800,000 in support of Autism Speaks. College chapters host AmaXIng Challenge events to raise funds in support of Autism Speaks and members from coast to coast participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks events in their communities.
Founded in 1893 at Lombard College, now Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta inspires women to realize their potential by providing opportunities for Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service. The national women’s fraternity has more than 150,000 initiated members, 115 active chapters on college campuses and 130 alumnae associations nationwide. For more information on Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, visit www.alphaxidelta.org.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum