Though the Bowling Green Hot Rods lost Saturday, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity hit the ball out of the park, winning a different game for a different cause.
Bowling Green freshman Michael Kelly’s 22-year-old sister Victoria has autism. Growing up, she needed special attention that was often hard to find.
Realizing other families needed similar kinds of support, Kelly’s parents, John and Linda Kelly, gave Western a donation in 2002, founding the Kelly Autism Program. KAP helps provide people from age 7 to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder the opportunities they need to reach their potential, KAP director Marty Bowman said.
KAP has programs for its participants ranging from middle school to postsecondary school including higher education, vocational training and job support, according to kap.wku.edu. The organization also offers scholarships to students.
Habitat for Humanity was SAE’s primary charity. But when Michael Kelly became an SAE brother last fall, the fraternity found a new philanthropy to support. Giovanni DeVita, Union junior and SAE vice president said the fraternity felt “this cause was a little bit closer to home.”
With the combination of SAE’s Paddy Murphy and dodgeball weeks, they were able to raise $3,000 for the KAP.
“It’s kind of overwhelming,” Kelly said at the game, explaining that the fraternity has been persistent in raising money for the KAP. “It means a lot.”
He said Boman has “done a great job” with the KAP.
In recognition of National Autism Awareness Day, SAE, clad in khaki shorts and matching SAE shirts, presented the oversized check to Boman during the seventh inning stretch.
Boman had a huge smile on her face as she accepted the gift from the mass of young men.
“We’re very excited about students stepping forward and helping KAP,” she said. The money will be used to help fund different aspects of the program.
Boman said she hadn’t been expecting the sum. “It was very much a surprise,” she laughed.
For more information on supporting KAP e-mail kellyautismprogram@wku.edu.
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