As April is Autism Awareness month, we were thrilled to host
our annual Grillin’ with the Xi’s philanthropy event on Saturday April 12. We
could not have been luckier with the beautiful sunshine and warm temperature,
along with the great turnout of people.
The event was held from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Wexner
Center plaza across from 15th Avenue, a new location from previous
years. Also new to this year’s event was a bounce house. The delicious food we
sold for donation-based prices only were hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie
burgers, hotdogs, puzzle piece iced sugar cookies, pop and water.
Amanda, one of our philanthropy chairs, is very pleased to share the outcome of the event!
“We were able to double the amount of proceeds we raised
last year at Grillin’ by earning $2,400 at the event itself. We are still
counting money from the dine and donates local restaurants paired with us for,
along with parent donations, but we expect the final total to be between $3,500
and $4,000.”
All our proceeds will be going toward our national
philanthropy Autism Speaks. Speaking for the entire chapter as a whole, we
recognize the rising prevalence of autism and are thankful for the support we
gained from the event.
“I think the new 1/68 statistic is very concerning,” Amanda
said. “In 2002, the number was 1/150 and the number changed to 1/88 a couple
years ago. Recently we found out the number is now 1/68, which has increased by
55% over the past 12 years. If this is the rate it’s going how many people will
be affected by autism in the future?”
We appreciate everyone who donated and cannot wait for our
philanthropy flag football tournament Football Frenxi in the fall!
