Alpha Xi Delta dedicates week to autism fundraising

“Thanks for donating a dollar! Now will you run around the Hub like a monkey?”

To most people, this seems like an absurd request, but to the Greeks of Kent State, it’s just another part of Alpha Xi Delta’s “Xi Week.”

Throughout the week, fraternities have been competing for the title of “Xi-Man” by participating in various events. The week ends tonight with fraternities competing in a talent show where the winner will finally be crowned.

“This year, the theme is AXiD in NYC,” said Lindsey Ryb, philanthropy chair for the sorority. “All the fraternities had to pick a Broadway musical and make an act around that.”

The week leading up to the show is spent not just with the fraternities collecting points, but also with the sorority collecting donations for Autism Speaks, an organization that raises awareness for the disorder.

Monday, fraternities earned points by running a donation table in the Student Center. Members raised more than $750.

“We added the table this year,” Ryb said. “Usually, it’s just the Greeks giving their own money, but I wanted to expand the opportunity to the community.”

Tuesday was spent with fraternity members approaching Alpha Xi Delta members to donate money. For every dollar donated, the member earned 50 points for his fraternity and was asked to do something crazy by the sorority member.

“It was really funny when my friend asked one guy to run like a monkey,” said Alpha Xi Delta member Regina Rosato. “I raised about $20 alone from the day.”

Ryb said the sorority has raised more than $2,000 from these events and others throughout the week.

“Our goal for the week is $5,000,” Ryb said. “Last year, we raised around $3,000 so I wanted to do even better this year, especially since it’s such a great cause.”

The sorority hopes the turnout for the show tonight will boost their donations and help them exceed their goal.

The show will feature fraternity members in costume performing songs from shows like “Annie,” “Chicago” and “The Little Mermaid,” so Ryb said she assures it will be very entertaining.

Ryb said all students are welcome to attend the Xi-Man competition. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Admission is a $3 donation to Autism Speaks.

Contact Greek life and ROTC reporter Kate Sheafer at [email protected].