Last week, Alpha Xi Delta participated in Light it up Blue Week to raise awareness for national philanthropy Autism Speaks.
Each year, April 2 is the beginning of this national campaign. All across the country landmarks like the Empire State Building have been lit up blue to support families living with people who have Autism. It’s a week dedicated to educational activities, spreading awareness, and aiding families who are directly affected by Autism.
Similar to the Empire State Building, Woodrow Wilson Hall and the Guggenheim Library were lit up at night in order to encourage acceptance, and spread awareness and understanding of this condition.
Stephanie Merlis, a senior business student commented on Light it up Blue week. She said, “I think it was awesome how Monmouth got involved and had buildings on campus go blue for autism. As a sister of Alpha Xi Delta, it’s really great seeing that this university supports something that my own personal organization does as well.” She continued, “Autism effects the lives of so many people, and the odds of knowing someone with Autism are very high. What my sorority does for Light it up Blue Week is really great and I’m proud to be a part of something that cares so much about philanthropy.”
As Autism Speaks is Alpha Xi Delta’s national philanthropy, chapters from the tristate area were featured on the Today Show during World Autism Day. Alpha Xi Delta at Monmouth is also doing its part to spread awareness to not only viewers of the Today Show, but the campus as well.
Vice President of Programs for AXiD, Kristen Kennett commented on how her sorority got involved in Light it up Blue Week. She said, “Our chapter tries to keep the campus community involved and help raise awareness for Autism Speaks so all throughout April we will be tabling both for light it up blue, as well as our event karaoke for a cause.”
Through bake sales and tabling, sisters of this organization have been able to raise money for this cause. Junior nursing student, Shaheen Grajeda commented, “It’s really important that we have bake sales and table for Autism Speaks, because although its effects so many, not everyone is exactly aware of what Autism is, or what our philanthropy does.” Grajeda continued, “Light it up Blue Week gives my organization a chance to spread the world on such a deserving cause, not just at Monmouth but on a national campaign as well, and I think that’s a really awesome thing to be involved in.”
Philanthropic efforts are a huge part of being in Greek Life. It allows members to give back to the community and raise money for tons of great causes.
Specialist Professor of Communication, Kristine Simoes commented on Greek Life’s involvement with philanthropy. She said, “Being involved in philanthropy gives college students the opportunity to gain real life experience in fundraising and philanthropic efforts. It’s greatseeing Greek Life at Monmouth University raise money for such deserving causes.”
Although Light it up Blue Week has come to an end, Autism Speaks celebrates April as Autism awareness month, holding Autism-friendly events and educational activities that take place nationwide to help all educate people about Autism.
Alpha Xi Delta has raised thousands of dollars for its philanthropy and plans on raising more in the upcoming Greek event, “Karaoke for a Cause.” This event allows members of the Monmouth community to come together during Autism Awareness Month and participate in a singing competition to spread even more awareness and understanding about this cause. Junior nursing major Drew Holjes said, “I love how our philanthropy has an entire month dedicated to it. Its great how our event is always held in the middle of April so we can do our part in participating in this nationwide month of recognizing Autism Speaks.”
Throughout the month of April, Alpha Xi Delta has done their part as Autism Speaks national sponsor and lit it up blue with awareness and acceptance of this cause.
image Taken from Alpha Xi Delta Monmouth Facebook
