"Bringing sexy back" was the slogan for the annual Kappa Delta Shakedown held Sunday. The Pegasus Ballroom was packed with students cheering on their favorite teams as they performed original dance routines to the latest jams.
The sorority's event helped raise money for the Lisa Merlin House for battered women and children, a philanthropy the UCF chapter has worked with for nine years.
"The Lisa Merlin house is a safe haven for women to go to raise their children in a healthy non-abusive environment," said Victoria Manglardi, vice president of public relations for KD. "We chose this philanthropy because it really focuses on helping children grow up in a loving home located right in Orlando."
All proceeds from the event will be given directly to the Lisa Merlin House to help the women furnish their newly-built house.
"I absolutely love KD Shakedown because it brings out so many talented organizations in helping to raise money for a good cause," Manglardi said. "Everyone loves to dance, so it's a great way to raise money for the Lisa Merlin House."
This year's Shakedown goal was to raise $3,000, $500 more than last year. According to Manglardi's preliminary estimate, at least $3,000 was raised.
Sorority Zeta Tau Alpha and fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon were the winners of the dance competition. First place dance for sorority went to Zeta Tau Alpha, and first place dance for fraternity went to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Many fraternities and sororities came to help their fellow Greek organizations with their philanthropies - or simply to bust a move.
"Our fraternity entered because we are the best at dancing," said sophomore nursing major Femi Borisade of Pi Kappa Phi.
The dance competition was open to all organizations at UCF, provided they paid a $50 entrance fee. Most dancers, however, were from the 20 fraternities and sororities that entered the shakedown.
Each team was given a five-minute slot to show off their routine. Teams were judged on their dance technique, costumes, crowd appeal and of course, KD spirit.
"Philanthropy is important because it's a great way for people to get involved," sophomore advertising/pubic relations major Samantha Gil said.
"People think of Greek life as one big party, they often overlook philanthropy," Gil, a Phi Beta Pi member said. "I love to dance and this event supports a great cause. Put the two together and it's a great philanthropy for me to participate in."
KD also takes part in other philanthropy events during the fall and spring semesters to raise money and awareness for different organizations.
"Our spring philanthropy is the 5K Shamrock run, which also benefits the Lisa Merlin House," Manglardi said. "We also take part in our National Kappa Delta philanthropy, Prevent Child Abuse America."
"Philanthropy keeps us level with college life and Greek life. It helps you mature," Borisade said.
Be the first to comment on this article!