Ryile Barton
Contributor to The Bengal
On Oct. 16, Alpha Xi Delta held Mac n CheeXi, an event to help support their philanthropy, Autism Speaks.
Autism Speaks is an organization that has a mission of promoting solutions across the autism spectrum for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Their motto is “Enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.” Everyone in the community was invited to attend the Mac n CheeXI event, including all ISU students.
All kinds of homemade mac and cheese dishes, salads, desserts and drinks were included along with an unlimited buffet for a small admission fee.
There were many laughs shared as community members came together to support a great cause and serious conversations were held about how Alpha Xi Delta cherishes the Autism Speaks organization.
This event was a great way to share what’s important to all sorority members who attended and for everyone to gain a better insight into what autism is and how Autism Speaks can benefit those it supports.
Autism refers to a broad range of conditions such as having trouble with social skills, speech and nonverbal communication, or having repetitive behaviors and having unique strengths and differences.
One in 59 children are diagnosed somewhere on the autism spectrum. Alpha Xi Delta raised more than $400 at the event and all proceeds went directly to Autism Speaks.
Alpha Xi Delta has been partnered with Autism Speaks since 2009 and raised more than $7 million for Autism Speaks during this partnership with the largest sum of $1.5 million raised last year.
The money raised that goes to Autism Speaks is used to support advocacy efforts, increase understanding and acceptance, gain a better understanding of the condition and to advance research.
Alpha Xi Delta is very passionate about its philanthropy and loves to help increase autism understanding and acceptance not only throughout the school but also in the community.
Alpha Xi Delta puts on many events throughout the year and is always spreading its love about the Autism Speaks organization.
A few examples of these events include SpagheXi, an event in where spaghetti is served, a color 5K walk/run that we will host in April and several bake sales throughout the school year that we hold in the PSUB and Rendezvous.
If you ever have questions or want to learn more about autism, find an Alpha Xi and she would be more than happy to talk your ear off about it.
Keep in mind that autism is just seeing the world from a different angle, everyone should be kind to one another and love others for who they are.
Rylie Barton is the External Marketing Director for Alpha Xi Delta.
