Fraternity hosts record-setting fundraiser for MU autism center

By Adrienne Cornwall and Abigail Dempsey

COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 27, 2015) – Sunday was a record-setting afternoon for the University of Missouri’s Alpha Tau Omega chapter, which raised more than $4,600 at its annual family festival fundraiser for patient scholarships at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

In addition to setting a new record tally for the event’s second year, nearly 300 participants lined up to break the Guinness World Record for most high-fives in one minute with the help of Rye Shade, a local 11-year-old boy with autism.

With a GoPro camera strapped to his chest, Shade easily ran the length of the drive around the Columns in 37 seconds, high-fiving the 287 hands as he ran.

“Next year, I think we can shoot for even more participants, because we know we have the time,” said ATO Signature Event Coordinator Zach Carmichael.

Participants last year tried to break the record, too, but the entry lacked the necessary video evidence, Carmichael said. With the help of two mobile and one stationary camera, Carmichael said he hopes this year’s attempt will officially topple the standing record of 260.

The Tigers Standing Strong with Autism Festival enjoyed a bump in attendance with the help of the Columbia Area Earth Day Festival, which had been rained out the previous weekend and was rescheduled to share Peace Park with the fraternity event.

Festivalgoers could enjoy three different bounce houses, smoothies, or carnival games like a dunk tank, duck hunt, cornhole and balloon darts.

Festival proceeds will go toward a $25,000 endowment pledged several years ago by the ATO chapter to fund patient scholarships at the Thompson Center to help families afford necessary autism services.

“Our Mizzou ATO chapter has been a dedicated partner in helping individuals touched by autism in our community,” said Thompson Center Executive Director Steve Kanne. “The funds they raised at Sunday’s festival will help countless families get medical and other services that they couldn’t otherwise afford.”

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The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri is a national leader in confronting the challenges of autism and other developmental conditions through its collaborative research, training and service programs.