On Friday Feb. 16, the first night of Loyola Marymount University’s parents weekend, was kicked off with the university’s fraternities and sororities performing in the annual Lip Sync event. Hosted by LMU Dance Marathon (LMUDM), the organization works alongside the B Positive Foundation to raise money for children’s cancer research.
The members of Greek life on campus spend weeks creating and practicing various dances and skits, set to a medley of songs which fit that year’s theme. This year’s being “Video Killed The Radio Star”, the chosen songs encompassed all things TV and movie; featuring “California Gurls” by Katy Perry, “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson and even some from the “High School Musical” franchise.
Throughout the dances, a panel of judges consisting of Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) organizers and LMU alumni, observed the performances, looking at choreography, storylines, props and overall level of entertainment.
With inflatable shark costumes featured in Phi Delta Theta, Jeopardy parodies in Pi Beta Phi and tributes to iconic films like “Hairspray,” the contestants sought to impress the judges, in hopes of taking home the coveted “Overall” award. Other awards available were “Best Choreography,” “Best Storyline,” “People’s Choice,” and “Most Entertaining.”
“People’s Choice” is the designated category for the sorority and fraternity that received the most donations which will go toward the B+ Foundation. Sigma Chi and Delta Gamma were the recipients of the award.
With Delta Gamma and Delta Sigma Phi taking home the Overall award, their members and the audience erupted with joy and celebration.“It was such a surreal moment,” said Delta Gamma member, Avery Bielski. “We’re just all so passionate about getting to contribute to such a wonderful organization.”
Lip Sync is anticipated and enjoyed by many. Students, parents and siblings purchased flowers for their loved ones on stage and made donations knowing it’s going to a greater cause.
The co-presidents of LMUDM, Nelly Zarrella and Christina Dodd, started off the night by introducing LMUDM to the audience. Dance Marathon has been active on LMU’s campus for six years, working with SFL to host events and raise money for childhood cancer, through the B Positive Foundation (B+).
Joe McDonough and his family created B+ after losing their son Andrew to cancer when he was just 14 years old. The organization, called B+ to match Andrew’s blood type, now travels around the country to spread awareness and raise money for childhood cancer research. Having raised over 5 million dollars in donations, their motto is to always “be positive”.
The B+ Foundation raises money through local events, corporate partnerships and events on college campuses, like Lip Sync. McDonough was present at the event and talked about his son’s story and journey with childhood cancer.“It truly is always a pleasure to be out here and see the students come together for something that means so much to me,” he said in the opening of his speech to the audience.
Since the beginning of this year’s lip sync period, Feb. 4, LMU has raised over $35,000 for B+ and for distribution to families experiencing childhood cancer.
“That’s 35 families that will continue to see their children, siblings and friends grow up,” said Nelly Zarrella, one of the presidents of LMUDM. “It’s so rewarding to see how the students at LMU and SFL have worked together to help the B+ heroes and those battling childhood cancer.”
Each sorority, fraternity and the members’ friends and family were able to donate throughout the night. Specified times for donations were called “miracle minutes,” SFL and Greek life members would run up and down the aisles collecting donations of any amount.
At the end of the fundraising period, over $65,000 was raised, which will be used for research and to help patients’ families battling financial hardships that come with a cancer diagnosis.
“Lip Sync is all about the desire to have fun while knowing that the fun is going toward a good cause,” said Emily Tran, Vice President of External Affairs for LMU’s Collegiate Panhellenic Council.“This is something you get to do with your best friends that helps so many other people.”
