Garden City, N.Y. - Despite cloudy skies and cold temperatures, over 200 Adelphi community members showed up for the Second Annual Bridges to Adelphi Unity Walk on Sunday, April 19. 

Spearheaded by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the Bridges to Adelphi program, the 1.5 mile walk around campus raised over $1,500, all in support of the Bridges to Adelphi scholarship fund.

"This annual Unity walk demonstrates what a successful bridge of collaboration between Adelphi Athletics and the Bridges to Adelphi Program means by spreading awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of those with Autism and neurodivergence," said Bridges director, Diana Damilatis-Kull.

"This walk is a clear demonstration of what a supportive community entails by  welcoming all students with differences and supporting connections with one another," she continued.

At the finish line, participants were greeted with games, raffle baskets and food, courtesy of corporate sponsor, Luigi's Pizzeria. Additional fundraising occurred as attendees were able to "Pie-A-Panther" with a donation. 

"To me, the unity walk has made a greater impact on my experience here at Adelphi," said sophomore swimmer Peter Gentilini Jr. "I have always wanted to be an educator to neuordivergent students, so helping those students continue their education through the [Bridges to Adelphi] program really means a lot to me."

The event was once again supported by the Adelphi Student Government Association, and new this year was representation from the Adelphi Alumni Council. 

"Sunday's event was a great example of our student-athlete community coming together to make an impact," said Director of Athletics and Recreation, Danny McCabe.

In addition to the Unity Walk, the athletics department held several Autism Acceptance events, inviting Bridges to Adelphi students to read the starting lineups and sing the National Anthem at home games throughout the month.