Mizzou ATO chapter raises $25,000 to endow patient scholarships for autism services

By Adrienne Cornwall

The University of Missouri’s Alpha Tau Omega chapter raised more than $5,300 at its annual family festival fundraiser for patient scholarships at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, fulfilling a $25,000 endowment pledge made a little over two years ago.

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 one stationary and two mobile cameras, Carmichael said he hopes this year’s attempt will officially topple the standing record of 260.

Festival proceeds helped the chapter fulfill its pledge to endow $25,000 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 Stephen Kanne. “The funds they raised at Sunday’s festival will help countless families get medical and other services that they couldn’t otherwise afford.”