This past Saturday, Sept. 16, the Iota Nu chapter of Alpha Xi Delta at Monmouth University took part in the New Jersey Shore Walk hosted by Autism Speaks at the Great Lawn in Long Branch, New Jersey.
The sisters arrived at the walk at 6:30 a.m. to help set up tables, tents, and anything else needed in order for the event to run smoothly once walkers arrived. When those walking began to show up, they helped with registration, handing out refreshments, face painting, and cheering on teams as they walked.
Registration began at 10 a.m. and the walk started at 11:30 a.m. People from all over were given the opportunity to volunteer or participate in the walk in order to raise awareness and fundraise to improve and add ease to the lives of those living with autism.
Sisters Kristin Wall, junior, and Kristen Kennett, senior, worked together to organize the chapter’s involvement in this year’s walk.
“Throughout the year Alpha Xi Delta raises money and awareness for our philanthropy, Autism Speaks. What I love about the walk is that we are able to be hands on and meet those who are affected by autism, or who are fighting for the same cause in our community. We were thrilled to see such a great turn out and to be part of such a wonderful day,” said Wall.
Almost $57,000 was raised at the walk, with over $2,000 being fundraised by the Iota Nu chapter. The girls promoted the walk through their social media pages and each made their own goals to reach in order to raise money for Autism Speaks.
“Every year Autism Speaks hosts a walk and every year we make sure that we’re a part of it,” said Jenna Koppel, sister of Alpha Xi Delta and junior at Monmouth University. “Our national philanthropy is Autism Speaks and being part of the walk is one of my favorite ways to raise money for it. I love seeing families and the outside community come together along with students from Monmouth in order to fundraise and also have a fun day. I think I speak for all of my sisters when I say that being able to volunteer for the walk and support such an amazing organization as a chapter is one of the best feelings and make me proud to call myself a sister of Alpha Xi Delta.”
Michele Kaplan, Greek Life Advisor said, “Nationally, Alpha Xi Delta partnered with Autism SPeaks back in 2009, and has worked hard to raise awareness while raising money for such an important philanthropy. It is great to see the Iota Nu chapter volunteering at local walks, as this helps raise awareness and is a way for our Monmouth students to get involved in the community.”
Alpha Xi Delta has raised over $5 million nationwide for the organization.
PHOTO COURTESY Alexa Russell
