With Light It Up Blue week just around the corner, the sisters of Alpha Xi Delta at Monmouth University began their month of fundraising at their annual Karaoke for a Cause event on Wednesday Mar. 30, 2016.
Keith Lee, a junior political science major and brother of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, blew the crowd away with his performance of Neyo’s “So Sick” and secured his first place spot in the competition.
“All of the acts were really great and entertaining but Keith Lee really killed up there on stage and stole the hearts of everyone in the audience,” said senior education student Kathleen Fabio.
The event consisted of 10 acts from students in the Monmouth community. DJ Forest Taylor from Delta Tau Delta provided his musical expertise for the night while Maddie Conroy, Bryce Petracorro, and Paul Matt hosted. Matthew Cox from Phi Kappa Psi, Chris Carter from Delta Tau Delta, and Bri Musco were the judges for the night.
“The event went very well. The acts were amazing and I am so grateful for them to perform. Honestly I love this philanthropy and everything we do. I volunteered with children with autism so being philanthropy chair and organizing an event which raised around $2,100 is awesome and a privilege to be a part of,” said Kristen Kennett a sophomore heath studies student and the philanthropy chair for Alpha Xi Delta.
To kick off the event, Lauren Gandulla from Autism Speaks came to speak to the audience about the work being done at Autism Speaks. “Autism costs a family over $60,000 a year with 1 in 68 children being diagnosed. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. and we are so excited about our new partnership with Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity,” said Gandulla director of field development for the NJ Shore chapters of Autism Speaks. “I was thrilled when Kristen invited me to speak and help your school kick off Light it Up Blue week for Autism Awareness month.”
Michele Kaplan the assistant director of student activities for fraternity and sorority life on campus said “I think it was really beneficial to have Lauren come to the event and give a short speech on the work being done at Autism Speaks because it really puts into perspective the impact these events do actually have on the organizations that each chapter raises money for.”
As of this past year, Alpha Xi Delta is the official sponsor of Autism Speaks. Together they have raised over $3 billion since their partnership began in 2009. April is Autism Awareness month and Alpha Xi Delta at Monmouth will continue the national organizations efforts to raise money and awareness to the disorder and organization.
The chapter will be tabling Tuesday and Thursday in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center to raise awareness for Autism Speaks. They will be handing out ribbons, baked goods, and have several events throughout the week to raise money for their philanthropy. To end the week, the chapter will be going to the Children’s Center of Monmouth County to hold a rose buddy ceremony in which women with disabilities will be initiated into the sisterhood of the Iota Nu chapter.
For more information about Autism Speaks and ways to get involved, stop by the student center this week or follow Alpha Xi Delta on social media @axid_iotanu.
