Chi-Raoke event helps domestic violence victims

USD's Alpha Chi Omega hosted its first ever Alpha Chi-Raoke philanthropy event, a twist on traditional karaoke similar to the hit television show "Don't Forget the Lyrics." The philanthropy event supported victims of domestic violence and took place Thursday, Oct. 27 in UC Forum C.

The event's focus on music was fitting in the context of Alpha Chi's original founding. The sorority's first constitution cited Alpha Chi's main goal as "attaining the highest musical culture" for its members.

"I'm so proud that Alpha Chi has a new philanthropy event that is connected to our musical roots," Tracy Zetts, a member of the Alpha Angels team, said.

Participants were randomly assigned songs, then shown lyrics of the song for the first minute it was played. The lyrics were then taken away and the singers had to continue singing, filling in the missing words as the music played. Five student teams of two lead singers and five backup dancers entertained the crowd with their vocals, creative dances, costumes and lyrical knowledge.

The participating teams were Alpha Angels, Life Savers, Fab Five, Team Theta and Team Kappa. The event's four judges, USD Alpha Chi alumnae Bernadine Locsin, Alexa Tierney and Brooke Einspanier, and University of California San Diego Alpha Chi President Maddie Smith, rated the teams' performances. The first two rounds of the night consisted of all five teams battling for a spot in the final round.

"I had a great time watching the performances, and I love that all the money went to a good cause," junior Erin Joyce, an attendee of the event, said.

Fab Five and Team Theta were the two top-rated teams and advanced to the final round. The two teams went head-to-head in an all-out battle of lyrical knowledge using songs from Disney's "The Lion King" and the Backstreet Boys. Fab Five prevailed with their performance of a live acoustic version of the Backstreet Boys' hit single "I Want It That Way."

All of the proceeds raised by the teams, including funds from admission and raffle ticket sales, went to The Rock Church to help fund their domestic violence programs in San Diego. Gabby Owen, president of Alpha Chi Omega, spoke highly of the event.

"It was so much fun, and I am so thankful to everyone who came out to support us and our philanthropy," Owen said. "We had lots of donations for raffles, support from alumnae, and the teams were all so enthusiastic. We are already so excited for next year."