On Friday, students will have the opportunity to arrest their professors and friends for a charitable cause.
Youngstown State University’s chapter of Alpha Xi Delta is holding a fundraiser called the Jail n’ Bail. Tuesday through Thursday of this week, students are able to purchase ‘warrants’ for three dollars apiece.
Friday the sisters will be honoring the warrants purchased by finding the person to be jailed and keeping them locked in a large cell created from gymnasium gating until $5 is raised, after which they can be released.
All of the money raised will be donated to Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy, Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism awareness organization, dedicated to improving the life of autism patients and their families.
“Autism effects children from birth well into adulthood… it makes it hard for them to communicate correctly,” Renee McConnell, the associate director of the Rich Center for Autism said. “Our primary focus at the Rich Center is applied… we help the kids hands on.”
Alpha Xi Delta takes a monetary approach to fulfill their philanthropy and help the ones affected by autism. The Jail n’ Bail provides a lighthearted and entertaining way to collect money and heighten awareness.
Although the fundraiser wasn’t held last year, Julia Colecchi, president of Alpha Xi Delta, said she expects students to have a lot of fun at this year’s event.
“Some get really into it; they bring cups and beg for money,” Colecchi said. “It’s a great cause.”
Alpha Xi Delta also contributes to an event called Walk Now for Autism Speaks as part of their philanthropy work. It is an event that is used to raise funds and provide a day of fun for children with autism and their families.
Colecchi said Walk Now is a day specifically held for kids.
“We have inflatables and face painting, just a whole bunch of activities for them,” Colecchi said. “It’s a day to have fun.”
All proceeds from the Jail n’ Bail and the Walk Now will be donated to autism and autism research.
“Autism awareness is an important step towards a cure,” said McConnell. “More kids have autism today than ever before. The numbers keep rising.”