The University of Southern Mississippi’s Chi Omega Sorority held ITS 63rd annual Songfest philanthropy event Dec. 1 in the Reed Green Coliseum. Beginning in 1951, Chi Omega’s Songfest is the university’s oldest and largest Greek philanthropy event, according to Joe Paul, vice president of student affairs, who was in attendance.
All proceeds from the event go directly to the Mississippi chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1980 that arranges experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and medical conditions, according to the website.
The competition-style event involves Christmas and Chi Omega-themed musical performances from the different members of the Greek community. Sororities and fraternities perform in front of a group of judges and are scored based on their talent, creativity and enthusiasm.
Sorority Alpha Delta Pi was the winner of this year’s event and performed a Lion King tribute that included renditions of “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
“It meant so much to my chapter to be the overall winners for this year’s Songfest,” said Alpha Delta Pi’s president, Sara Beth Selph. “Not only did we get to spend time with our sisters during practice but we had the opportunity to be a part of raising money and awareness for such a great foundation,” Selph said. “We practiced and worked so hard to give the best performance possible and our hard work paid off. The beautiful trophy has already found its home on our entertainment center.”
Songfest raises money through individual fundraisers by Chi Omega members, business sponsorships, donations from Chi Omega alumnae and donations that are collected at the door by those who attended the event. A silent auction was also held throughout the duration of the show. This year’s event successfully raised approximately $46,500 – 100 percent of which will go to benefit the Mississippi chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Songfest is always a really rewarding experience and it is great to have everyone so invested in its success,” said sophomore Chi Omega member, Chloe Webb. “It is amazing to be a part of something that you know is going to directly benefit these particular children in Mississippi.”
