As the finale to their Go Purple Week, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence, the women of Alpha Chi Omega held their A-Chi-Roke event in the Kellogg Center on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The annual event is a karaoke competition in which teams replace the lyrics of a popular song with facts and information about domestic violence, and then perform their version of the song with a choreographed dance.
According to Anna Bickerstaff, Grosse Pointe senior, this process helps to educate not only participants, but also spectators about domestic violence.
“Each group is required to look up facts to replace the song lyrics for the song they choose,” said Anna Bickerstaff, Grosse Pointe senior. “So not only are they raising awareness amongst themselves by looking up and memorizing facts to sing, but each group typically finds different facts so when they are performed, you hear a variety of facts.”
Though the information being conveyed in each routine could be considered disheartening and upsetting, A-Chi-Roke allows these statistics and facts to be presented with enthusiasm. The entertainment aspect of the event is one of the things Bickerstaff loves most.
“I love seeing the songs and dances the groups come up with,” Bickerstaff said. “They are always unique and entertaining and I love seeing the whole Greek community get excited about our cause.”
Marshall senior Max Brundage competed in the event with his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, and their routine took first place on the men’s side, while Kappa Alpha Theta took first place on the women’s side. Brundage believes the competitive aspect of the event is part of what makes it so entertaining and successful.
“Competitions get people involved, and involvement increases awareness of a cause,” said Max Brundage, Marshall senior.
According to Andrea Walles, The Woodlands, Texas, junior, the event, and Go Purple Week overall, certainly helped to raise awareness.
“I have heard that three other different groups on campus are now creating events to support Safe Place,” Walles said. “I’m so glad that we were able to spread the word.”
The proceeds from A-Chi-Roke, as well as all events that take place during Go Purple Week, go directly to S.A.F.E. Place, a battered women’s shelter in Battle Creek that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence.
According to Bickerstaff, S.A.F.E. Place has been Alpha Chi Omega’s shelter of choice for many years.
“We love supporting a shelter that is so close to us and that we can see our results.” Bickerstaff said. “It’s a totally different experience when you just write a check to a national organization because you have no clue where that money or who is directly benefiting from it. But for us, having our money go just 30 minutes down the road, we are able to physically see our impact.”
Photo courtesy of Ross Muniga
Leave a Reply