Autism Speaks U. 3K Walk/Run Benefits the Cause—And Student Organizers

The Oct. 27 Autism Awareness 3K Walk/Run at Centenary College in Hackettstown will have more than the obvious beneficiaries.

Proceeds from the event will go to Autism Speaks U., a program designed to support college students in their awareness and fundraising efforts for advocacy group Autism Speaks. 

Managing the charity walk/run is a group of students, all members of a Centenary The event is a class project. Members of a sports marketing class are managing the event.

“This assignment provides the students with real life experience,” said Prof. David Perricone, assistant professor of sports management and instructor of the sports marketing course.  “This exercise is an important résumé builder for these students and I am pleased that they are giving their all to make this event one that is a success.”

The students handled the event planning, down to choosing the charity.

“When we were asked to pick a cause that we wanted to support, I immediately chose Autism Awareness as I have a family member who faces the everyday challenges of autism," said Natalia Ortega, student and co-manager of the project. "It is truly a passion of mine.”

Ortega said the choice of her sports marketing class was a good one too.

“I love the fact that this class incorporates experiential learning opportunities,” she said.

The Autism Awareness 3K Walk/Run takes place Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the David and Carol Lackland Center, 715 Grand Ave.  Pre-registration cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children.  The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children on the day of the event.  Participants can conduct their walk or run any time during that time period.