Oct. 4, 2013: The American Cancer Society and Autism Speaks.
Over 300 Boston University student-athletes volunteered their time at two major charity events in the city on Sunday. The turnout was an amazing show of support for two of the Terrier’s most important chartable organizations, The American Cancer Society and Autism Speaks.
At the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, more than 280 Boston University student-athletes assisted the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk”. The Terriers took on various responsibilities at the event which raises more than $3 million each year with over 40,000 walkers participating annually. The student-athletes arrived at the Esplanade around 6 a.m. and were the first to interact with the walkers, registering all participants and tracking donations brought in throughout the day.
The community service outreach project was organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The American Cancer Society uses the annual event to raise awareness and donations in the fight against breast cancer.
“Each October, hundreds of Boston University student-athletes donate their time to help the American Cancer Society finish the fight against breast cancer,” said Tara Shea, planning specialist for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. “Their enthusiasm and spirit are essential to the success of Making Strides in Boston.”
While the Making Strides Walk was going on at the Esplanade, the entire Boston University men’s hockey team continued its partnership with Autism Speaks by volunteering at the 13th annual Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event at Suffolk Downs in East Boston. More than 18,000 people, including individuals with autism, their families and friends joined together at the event each year for the walk.
The men’s hockey team arrive at the event before 8 a.m. and assisted in various aspects of the day from setup to breakdown including registering walkers, speaking with participants and interacting with children and parents throughout the day. The Terriers’ captains also had the honor of helping cut the starting banner and lead the walk. During this upcoming season the BU men’s hockey team will continue to wear blue Autism Speaks puzzle-piece patches on their jerseys to help promote Autism awareness.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. For more information about Autism Speaks click http://www.autismspeaks.org/
About Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer fundraising and awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities to finish the fight. For 100 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has works to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together with millions of our supporters worldwide, we’re helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures, and fighting back against cancer. For more information about the American Cancer Society click http://www.cancer.org/index
Source: http://www.goterriers.com/genrel/100413aac.html