On Saturday, Nov. 15, the members of Alpha Kappa Psi and the women of Chi Beta Epsilon will be hosting a 5k Color Run open to all Trinity students. The run will take place from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the jogging trail behind Coates Library. A percentage of the proceeds (a predicted 70 percent) will go to the Foundation School for Autism, which is the only public charter school in Texas for autistic children.

“It’s really important to have these type of schools available because autism’s rate is increasing rapidly,” said Gladys Gonzalez, member of Alpha Kappa Psi and the organizer of the event.

Gonzalez has been in direct contact with the school and often goes there to volunteer. The school will most likely use the money raised to pay teachers and other faculty members. Children with autism require a lot of direct attention, so teachers are some of the school’s most important assets.

Bright Wanachaikiat, who is a member of both the new active class of Alpha Kappa Psi and Chi Beta Epsilon, was the main planner of this event.

She was able seek help from David Tuttle, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, who is an avid  fan of running himself, in getting this event approved through Campus and Community Involvement.

The paint that will be used in the run, thrown by members of Chi Beta Epsilon, is biodegradable so that it will not damage the grass or any other greenery on the jogging trail.

“Every new pledge class has to think of a fundraising event that has to engage the whole campus,” Wanachaikiat said. “I decided to do a run because it’s something different and it’s something fun.”

Wanachaikiat was also in charge of public relations for the event, and she had to make new flyers after receiving some complaints about the initial ones posted.

“I would like to apologize for those who had seen the first round of flyers, which were removed in less than 24 hours of its posting, for the insensitive language that had been used,” Wanachaikiat said. “Not only does my poor choice of words reflect my lack of complete knowledge towards autism, but it also reflects a number of people who, like me, may not have had the chance to be educated about autism.”

Wanachaikiat also stated  that she wishes for all students to participate in the event, not only for the good cause but also to help promote education on the topic and create more aware and conscientious citizens.

“I would highly encourage students to participate in the run. The funds we raise will not only help children who are autistic but it will also be used to better educate people like me who do not know what it is like to suffer from autism,” Wanachaikiat said.

The hosts of the event encourage everyone to come out, even though it may be a bit early for some students to be exercising. Alpha Kappa Psi is usually known for its fundraisers at Chipotle and hopes to gain a larger presence on campus through this event.

Participating can contribute towards possible service hours for members of other organizations, depending on the particular standards of the organization. It is also being considered an informal recruitment event for ladies interested in Chi Beta Epsilon. Tickets are $10 and will be sold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Friday Nov. 14.

Student groups set to host 5k Color Run this Saturday at the Coates Library jogging trail