Alpha Xi Delta hosts Autism Speaks philanthropic event

Rachel Purget

Alpha Xi Delta’s biggest philanthropic event of the year, the chapter’s Xi Man competition and fundraiser, takes place Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Cartwright Auditorium. Fraternities and sororities will vie for the title of Xi Man and Xi Woman to benefit Autism Speaks, Alpha Xi Delta’s national philanthropic beneficiary.

“The fraternities and sororities each do a skit and a dance and they incorporate Alpha Xi Delta and Autism Speaks and our theme this year is the ‘90’s,” said Anna Lood, junior fashion merchandising major and president of Alpha Xi Delta. “Everybody has different kinds of skits, like ‘Full House.”

Xi Man is the focus of the event and will feature participants from most of the Greek community. Only Alpha Xi Delta members can coach teams, and the teams are limited to five minutes for their performance.

“We have 22 teams, so it’ll be a long night, but it will be very exciting,” Lood said .

Alpha Xi Delta’s goal this year is $30,000, double the amount of last year’s donation goal for Autism Speaks. Kathryn Clarkin, senior French major and vice president of programs for Alpha Xi Delta, said each Greek organization will contribute $40 to participate with $5 for each member in the skit.

Tickets to watch the competition are $7.

Clarkin said Alpha Xi Delta is also having a raffle and auction at the event, where all proceeds will go to Autism Speaks.

“A big part of what we’re doing at the event is we’re having raffles and auctions. We have a ton of awesome prizes; we have a Michael Kors bag this year,” Clarkin said. “So we’re encouraging all members of the Kent community to come. If they can’t attend Xi Man, at least come and bid on some awesome items.”

Contact Rachel Purget at [email protected].