HomeNEWSAutism U-Knighted Walk to be a "Super" Event

Autism U-Knighted Walk to be a “Super” Event

By LAURA BORRELLI
Contributing Writer

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will be hosting its 4th annual Autism U-Knighted Walk. It will be held on Sunday April 7 on the campus quad from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The alternate location due to poor weather will be in the Main Lounge in the Events and Athletics Center. This event will take place rain or shine! Jacquelyn Fossati, the President of CEC really encourages students to participate and be involved in this on campus event.

“This is an event important to us because it is important for us to be advocates for our students and raise awareness for not only Autism Spectrum Disorders, but disorders that our students we may have in the future,” said Fossati.

In order to have a successful event, there is a lot of preparation involved for CEC. They ask local businesses that are popular around Saint Rose campus for donations for raffle baskets. The baskets are one of the primary ways of donations, but people are encouraged to make donations in any way or form. The food at the event is provided from campus catering. CEC puts a lot of time and effort in planning a variety of games and activities for individuals of all ages during the event. Over the four years this event has raised approximately $3,500. Jackie and other club members strive to raise more money than ever before. They have decided this year all the money they raise will go to our very own Friday Knights Organization and the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center located in Westchester County, NY. These clubs were chosen because they help and raise awareness about children on the spectrum.

“Each year we raise money at the walk for the college’s Friday Knights program and then one other organization that is picked by the club,” said Tristyn Koren, the community outreach chair. “This year our second organization is the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center. This is an amazing children’s center that works with students with and without exceptionalities. As an aspiring special education teacher I work with students with exceptionalities all the time, these students always make my day brighter and this walk is just one way that I can give back and hopefully make their days a little brighter like they have done for me.”

This year the theme for the event is a superhero theme. CEC wants to emphasize that everyone is a superhero in their eyes. The event is important to bring the community together and raise awareness and support individuals on the spectrum. “This event is so important to me to raise awareness for my future students,” said Fossati. “I did respite work for students on the spectrum for two years, and there is nothing better than raising awareness and showcasing their talent.”

Both Jacquelyn and Tristyn agree that the walk is a fun filled day for students in the community to come together and emphasize that everyone is a superhero. The Autism U-Knighted Walk does not have any sign ups, CEC hopes students come and go as they please to support Autism Spectrum Disorders. Make sure to save the date for Apr. 7.

“The autism walk is my favorite event that CEC puts on.” said Koren. “I love being able to come together as a club and community to support this amazing cause.”

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