For many students, dodge ball is a fun game they enjoy playing while socializing with their peers. For Alpha Xi Delta member Jennifer Luli, dodge ball means much more.
Luli’s 20-year-old brother is autistic. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was two years old.
To help raise awareness for her brother’s autism, Luli competed in the second annual Dodgebrawl Competition hosted by Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and Delta Upsilon Fraternity. The Greek philanthropy event was Wednesday, Oct. 27 at UCF’s Memory Mall.
Luli told Knightnews.com that Dodgebrawl means more to her than a simple game of dodge ball.
“This event means a lot to me because Alpha Xi Delta is close to my heart and it is raising money to contribute to something that I have dealt with all my life,” she said. “Hopefully we can contribute to help finding the cure.”
Last year, Alpha Xi Delta and Delta Upsilon raised nearly $4,000. This year, they expect to donate around $7,000 to the Threshold Center for Autism and Autism Speaks. The money will be split equally between the two organizations.
Delta Upsilon member Mike Guiliano and Alpha Xi Delta member Kaley Darrigo hosted Dodgebrawl. The two were pleased with the turnout of the event and said between 600 to 700 students attended.
Guiliano said they are still in the process of counting the donations, however, they currently have received over $5,000. The exact amount of money raised will be released when they have a final answer.
Congratulations to Kappa Alpha Theta for winning the 2010 Dodgebrawl competition.
