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Glee’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” blared through the speakers as members of the St. Augustine’s signing choir lifted their arms and shifted their fingers into the sign language symbols that represent the lyrics.

The choir, along with 16 different fraternities and sororities, participated in Delta Zeta’s annual Lip Sync competition Saturday night in the Student Center Ballroom. The event raised $28,016 – a $12,000 improvement from last year. Each fraternity and sorority performed a 5-minute skit to a song.

The money will go to four organizations: Gallaudet University, House Ear Institute, The Starkey Hearing Foundation and the Painted Turtle Camp. Each organization deals with the hearing and speech impaired.

Emily Orians, philanthropy chair of Delta Zeta, said the planning for this year’s Lip Sync started in December.

“The Greek community gets together a lot to do things and have fun,” Orians said. “If we’re going to get together to have fun anyways, I don’t see any reason why we can’t put that time into fundraising and helping other people.”

At least 970 people attended the event. After pre-sale tickets were sold, they were offered to the general public. Orians said these sold out in 20 minutes.

The first place over-all Lip Sync winners were Alpha Xi Delta and Phi Delta Theta. Second place over-all winners were Alpha Phi and Sigma Chi. Delta Gamma and Delta Tau Delta took third.

Kelsey Morgan, sophomore early childhood education major and member of Alpha Xi Delta, said she thinks events like the Lip Sync should improve the image of Greek life.

“I think it’s good for us because sometimes people get the wrong idea about Greek life,” Morgan said. “Clearly, we can come together and do good things.”

Fraternities and sororities were judged on incorporation of sign language in their performances, audience approval and the amount of money raised.

Orians said she’s thrilled with the end result.

“Delta Zeta has been lucky enough to have the support of the entire Greek community with this fundraiser,” Orians said. “With their help, it has turned into something amazing. It has turned into something that can help so many people.”

Contact Cristina Mazzone at [email protected].