The Epsilon Delta chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity at The University of Southern Mississippi will host its 62nd annual Songfest Dec. 5 at Reed Green Coliseum.

Rhea Phillips Valentine, a sophomore Chi Omega member, said Songfest is the oldest and largest philanthropy event held on the Southern Miss campus.

According to the university website, every year all proceeds from Songfest are donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Make-A-Wish has been proven and shown to benefit the lives of children through this and even assist with the healing process and coping with a life threatening illness,” said junior Chi Omega member Alicia Frazier.
This event not only benefits the children involved with the foundation, but also each individual who chooses to participate.

“It’s such an awesome experience to know that the money that you raised is going to somebody,” Valentine said. “It’s not just sending a check out in the mail, it’s actually seeing somebody be benefitted through it.”
Most of the Greek organizations on campus will participate in Songfest, where they will take part in various competitions.

“They sometimes take songs and make them holiday-themed,” Valentine said. “It’s really fun to see everyone come out and compete and to see who shows up.”

Frazier said the competition winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Whitney Miller, owners of Click Boutique Adam Myrick and Jason LeViere, and USM basketball coach Donnie Tyndall.

“He [Tyndall] is so supportive of not only his basketball team, but also the student body here at USM and I am so excited that he has chosen to be one of our judges,” Frazier said. She added that Songfest is a great way to have fun while kicking off the Christmas season.

Every year the chapter invites another very important judge: a child receiving a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The event will also feature individuals who have been nominated by other sororities to be selected as Mr. and Ms. Make-A-Wish.

For those interested in attending, more information can be found on the Chi Omega USM Facebook page.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.