Sorority dance competition raises money for hospital

Alpha Delta Pi member Logan Sparks and Kappa Sigma member Lucas Schastlein dance the Tango during Delta Delta Delta's Dancing with the Greeks in the Singletary Center Concert Hall Thursday night. Photo by Scott Hannigan | Staff

By Laura Karr

More than 100 Greeks cheered on their fellow sisters and brothers while they danced, raising money in the process.

Delta Delta Delta’s philanthropy event, Dancing with the Greeks, raised $3,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude partnered nationally with Delta Delta Delta sorority 10 years ago to raise funds for the hospital.

St. Jude’s event marketing representative Courtney Burge said the sorority has contributed a large amount to the hospital.

“Delta Delta Delta has been very committed, (and) has done an excellent job,” Burge said.  “(They) are really passionate about helping the kids.”

Katie Fangman, Delta Delta Delta president, said the dance-off has raised more money than other philanthropy events in the past.

Members of Delta Delta Delta helped raise money by asking friends and family members for donations, going out into the community and local businesses to contribute to the cause.

“It’s been more exciting, more beneficial and raised more money,” said Delta Delta Delta member and nursing senior Emily Marion.

Delta Gamma member Stephanie Martin and Phi Sigma Kappa member Justin Linne dance the Cha Cha during Delta Delta Delta's Dancing with the Greeks on Thursday night. Photo by Scott Hannigan | Staff

Ten UK sororities participated in the dance. One member from each of the sororities performed in the Dancing with the Greeks judged by two professional dancers and UK basketball player Patrick Patterson.

Two different styles of dancing were showcased: the Cha Cha and the Tango.

Overall winner and Spirit Award winner was Kappa Delta member Christi Rowland, with her partner Andrew Gerughty from Alpha Tau Omega. Kappa Delta received $50 to donate to their  philanthropy.

Other awards included best Cha Cha, won by Delta Gamma member Stephanie Martin and Phi Sigma Kappa member Justin Linne. Best Tango performance won by Alpha Phi member Bethany Benyo and her partner, Sigma Nu member Mitch Wattles.

With a large crowd of UK students cheering on their friends and fellow Greek members, dancers were able to have fun with their routines and add in some free style of their own.

Kelly Prickett, an elementary education sophomore, said the atmosphere was “energetic, entertaining and fun.”