HAMILTON – The Colgate University Women’s Hockey team will host its second annual Light Up Starr Rink Blue event – which kicks off the team’s Autism Awareness Project – during its home game versus Union at 7 tonight.

Inspired by Norwich High School senior Kati Williams – a die-hard fan and team manager for the Raiders – the project aims to raise autism awareness and benefits Autism Speaks of Central New York, the Family Resource Network, The Kelberman Center, Project Oz and the American Special Hockey Association.

In 2011, the Raiders raised more than $18,000 toward their chosen charities. This year, the goal is to nearly double that amount, raising at least $30,000.

“We are really excited to kick-off our 2012 Autism Awareness Project and are hoping to build on the success we had in 2011,” said Raiders Head Coach Scott Wiley. “Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. in which there is no cure or medical detection.”