Songfest Raises More Than $76,000 For Philanthropies

 For more than 31 years, Chi Omega Songfest, the largest Greek-sponsored philanthropic event on campus, has showcased the unique talents of Texas A&M students through song and dance. The variety show serves to unite thousands of students through the participation of more than 20 organizations, supporting Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, The Make-AWish Foundation, the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center and other charities. In 2009, Chi Omega sorority raised more than $76,000 with help from The Association of Former Students and the Aggie Network.
 
“These students coming together and working for a cause so much greater than themselves just absolutely sums up what the Aggie family is, and I don’t think you can find that on any other campus,” said overall chair Ellen Melson ’09.
 
The winning organizations at Songfest each received $2,000 to put toward their own philanthropy of choice and were reminded of their efforts when Garrett, a child who will have his wish fulfilled by the Make-AWish Foundation, came to watch the event.
 
“They are not doing it to make an incredible performance, they are not doing it to win first place, they are not doing it for the cash prize at the end, they are doing it for this child,” Melson said.
 
 The 2010 Chi Omega Songfest took place Dec. 3-4 in Rudder Auditorium. The 2010 Songfest staff was lead by overall chair Mollie Dean ’12 and her team of Morgan Riser ’12, Bekah Pyle ’11, Michelle Smith ’12, LeeAnna Parks ’11 and Scholle Brown ’11.