Step It Up for Autism

Click HERE for a map of the Route! 

ΑΞΔ's Step It Up for Autism sensory friendly 5K walk/run is just around the corner! We hope you'll join us this Sunday at USM in Gorham to celebrate autism awareness month as we bring together the greater Portland community to raise funds for Autism Speaks and shine a light on autism spectrum disorders. On behalf of the Southern Maine Alumnae Association of Alpha Xi Delta, thank you for very generous support! 

PRE-REGISTRATION CUT OF IS FRIDAY, APRIL 22 at NOON!!

Every 20 minutes a child will be diagnosed with autism. Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the United States. With the number of diagnoses in children rapidly increasing, now is the time to make a difference.

Be a part of the Step It Up for Autism 5K on April 24, 2016 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham Campus, hosted by the southern Maine chapter of the Alpha Xi Delta alumnae association.

Registration is 9am-9:45am.  Start time will be 10am sharp.   There will be a 1.5 mile option for Walkers ONLY that want a shorter option.

Teams and individuals will participate in a sensory friendly 5K walk/run to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism research and advocacy organization.  There will be many fun family activities the day of the race, including a quiet corner with many activities for all ages.

Free race shirt for all PRE-REGISTERED participants that are REGISTERED BY MIDNIGHT, TUESDAY, 4/12.  Food and refreshments will be provided to all participants, and prizes will be awarded to the top male & female runners.  Day of registration will be available for $25.

COLLECT DONATIONS!!  When you register, you’ll get your own fundraising page automatically that you can easily and securely accept donations online.  COLLECTING DONATIONS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS EVENT.  The money you raise goes DIRECTLY to support Autism Speaks.  Prizes will be given to the top group & top individual fundraisers.

You can share you page on Facebook, Twitter, or email the link to your friends, family and colleges.    If you collect donations via cash or check, you can bring them to the event on April 24th.   Be sure to have checks made payable to Autism Speaks.  Offline donations WILL be credited to your fundraising total.

With 1 in 68 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, Autism Speaks’ research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a possible cure could change the future of autism. Funding for this critical research is essential. We hope to bring together the southern Maine community to join us in our effort to find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle.

For more information, please contact

Audra Gordon

Race Director, SMAA Philanthropy Chair

(207) 712-3309

philanthropy.smaa@gmail.com