Boy bands, twerking and local hunger?

Washington and Lee fraternities and sororities recently brought their dance moves and mashups to the annual lip sync fundraiser, all in the name of community philanthropy.

On Jan. 29 in the Pavilion, groups of new members from several Greek organizations competed in the event, dancing to songs of their choosing and performing in front of peers.

This year’s winner, voted on by a panel of professors and students, was Sigma Nu fraternity. A group from Kappa Alpha Theta sorority was declared runner-up.

“I think the performance went really well, and we all had a lot of fun doing it,” Caroline Fletcher, ‘19, who performed during the fundraiser, said. “It was a great opportunity to bond with my pledge class.”

The fundraiser has served as a W&L tradition since 1987 and is hosted by Students Against Rockbridge Area Hunger, an organization that aims to promote awareness about local hunger and donates money to relief organizations.  This year, the event set a new record by raising more than $10,000.

“I became involved in SARAH [when] I helped volunteer my freshman year,” Ty Mitchell, ’16, co-chair of SARAH, said. “It seemed like a great organization where you can see a real impact firsthand in the local community.”

Each participating group donated $200 and spectators paid a $10 entry fee that will directly benefit the Rockbridge Area Relief Association, Natural Bridge-Glasgow Food Pantry, as well as Campus Kitchen.

While some Greek organizations entered multiple groups into the competition, each routine nonetheless incorporated a different assortment of pop and rap songs to accompany the dance moves.

“The performances were really entertaining and funny,” Lauren Pupa, ‘19, who attended the event, said. “All of the performers seemed to be enjoying themselves, and it was definitely interesting to watch.”

Several pledge classes practiced for multiple weeks in anticipation of the event, allowing time for the new members to form friendships.

“The best part was getting to know my new sisters better and just having a blast with them,” Abigail Petrecca, ‘19, who performed during the event, agreed.

For some participants, the event not only provided an opportunity to enjoy a night of laughter and fun, but also was a meaningful way to help those less fortunate in the Lexington community.

“It’s a great way to support a good cause with awesome friends,” Daisy Kelly, ‘18, who performed in last year’s show, said.

Members of the performing groups additionally recognized the dual value of the event: to entertain fellow classmates and to strengthen the surrounding community.

“This philanthropy is so great because you get to have a lot of fun while supporting such a meaningful and relevant cause like SARAH,” Hannah Dewing, ‘19, who performed at the event, said. “Lip Sync was a great way for not only our new pledge class to bond but also everyone in the sorority.”