Indianapolis - Representatives of Alpha Xi Delta will observe World Autism Awareness Day in New York City with Autism Speaks.  The national women's fraternity announced its philanthropic partnership with Autism Speaks on World Autism Awareness Day last year.

The group will kick off its observation of World Autism Awareness Day by attending a United Nations World Autism Awareness Day reception on Wednesday.  They will also attend a brunch on Thursday at the New York Stock Exchange in honor of Autism Speaks ringing the opening bell. 

Thursday evening, they will participate in Light It Up Blue ceremonies at several New York City landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Gardens.  The Light It Up Blue campaign is an effort to illuminate prominent buildings across the world in blue light to help raise autism awareness and commemorate World Autism Awareness Day.

 On Friday, World Autism Awareness Day, the group will conclude their activities by attending The Today Show with members of Alpha Xi Delta's Epsilon Lambda Chapter at Rider University.  They hope their presence will gain attention to promote autism awareness and the Light It Up Blue campaign.

 "The rate of diagnosed autism cases is growing which highlights the pressing need to shine a light on autism to raise awareness," said Elysia Gallivan, Alpha Xi Delta's National Executive Director and participant in the activities with Autism Speaks.  "We are grateful to our partner, Autism Speaks, for inviting us to join them for these important events and hope the efforts of Alpha Xi Delta Sisters from across the country can make a difference in understanding autism."

 Joining Gallivan for the events will be Carrie Kashawlic, Alpha Xi Delta's National Philanthropy Director, and Annie Hallsten, Alpha Xi Delta's Philanthropy and Community Outreach Manager.

 In addition to the activities in New York, Alpha Xi Delta members from coast to coast will observe World Autism Awareness Day by wearing blue and participating in local Light It Up Blue events.  Chapters and associations will also work throughout the month of April, Autism Awareness Month, to raise autism awareness on their campuses and in their communities.

About Alpha Xi Delta
Over the past year, Alpha Xi Delta has raised over $150,000 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 nearly 150,000 initiated members and has college chapters on 113 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 North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $210 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.  To learn more about Light It Up Blue, please visit www.lightitupblue.org.

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 Media Contact:
Lori Lambert, Director of Public Relations
317.872.3500 ext. 122
llambert@alphaxidelta.org