Date: Jan 18, 2008

Hofstra SEGA and Kappa Delta Pi Raise $15,000 for "Walk Now For Autism"

Hofstra University's SEGA (Special Education Graduate Association) and Kappa Delta Pi Theta Beta Chapter (International Honor Society in Education) teamed up for a campus-wide monumental fundraising effort to support autism research for The Walk Now for Autism, held on October 14, 2007, at Jones Beach State Park.

Initially, the team's goal was to raise $5,000, but they shortly surpassed this by successfully recruiting nearly 50 walkers and involving the greater Hofstra community to participate in fundraising efforts. They encouraged the Hofstra University Bookstore and Lackmann Culinary Services to support the Walk by placing donation cans and "Autism Speaks" paper puzzle pieces at each register. The team also coordinated a new and returning member sign-up in September, where SEGA members registered walkers and encouraged students and faculty contributions by offering "Autism Speaks" paper puzzle pieces, SEGA T-shirts and Mets tickets.

By October the Hofstra SEGA-Kappa Delta Pi team raised a total of $15,000, triple their goal. Toni Lana, president of both organizations, thanked team members and other generous supporters for all contributions to this fundraising campaign. She looks forward to coordinating the next fundraising effort in 2008 to support autism research.

During the November 17 Hofstra Men's Basketball game, Toni Lana was recognized at halftime for her fundraising efforts and was awarded a commemorative basketball. Video footage and press release are online at "Autism Speaks": www.autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/hofstra_awareness_2007.php