Home runs for Autism

Alpha Xi Delta will be hosting a “Home Run Derby” on the Western Carolina University softball field tomorrow, Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. to raise money for Autism Speaks.

The cost of the event will be $2 just for admission and $5 in order to hit. You don’t have to hit a home run, you can just hit for fun if you’d like. All of the money goes to autism. There will also be a raffle for a 32 inch television and other various prizes.

Autism Speaks is Alpha Xi Delta’s national philanthropy and an organization that raises money to help find a cure for autism.

Alpha Xi Delta’s all over the nation have been supporting Autism Speaks since 2009. Last year, over 1 million dollars were raised nationwide for Autism Speaks. Western’s chapter of Alpha Xi Delta raised $6,000 alone. This year’s goal is to raise $6,500 for Autism Speaks.

Becca Roberts, a member of Alpha Xi Delta said “come out and hit a ball to help us find a cure.”

Autism is one of the fastest growing mental disabilities because some medical institutions are overly diagnosing it. It’s a disorder that causes problems with verbal and non-verbal communication. As of right now there is no cure for autism. The money that is raised from Tuesday night will go to find a cure towards autism.

Other upcoming events are the Autism Walk on the UC Lawn on October 20, Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Kappa Pi Philanthropy Day on the UC Lawn on October 23, Percentage Night at Bogarts on November 11, Autism Speaks Awareness Table on the UC Lawn on November 19, and Xi Man Pageant in the UC Theater on November 20.