Last Wednesday night Phi Sigma Sigma sorority hosted their annual fundraiser, “Monmouth Idol” to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. Monmouth Idol is great way for students to display their talents by singing or playing an instrument on stage for many different Greek organizations along with other members of the student body. “It’s great being involved in fundraisers like Monmouth Idol” says Alicia Leifken, a senior and president of Phi Sigma Sigma, “it gives students a sense of community and we try to support one another by going to other group’s fundraisers too.” This community of students really brought the heat that night during the show, lead by the beautiful Stefanie Matano and her charming co-host Cameron Nichols.
While the audience clapped along to performances such as third place winners Kevin Kinsella and Steve DeCarlo singing “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, it could have been nearly forgotten that everyone was there to support a cause. Phi Sig’s philanthropy, the National Kidney Foundation, is an organization that raises money for those in need of a Kidney transplant but cannot afford one. Elena Pellarin, a Junior, givers her insight: “I think the National Kidney Foundation is important because it spreads awareness about a disease that most people don’t know about, but is extremely deadly. It affects so many people and the work that we do is helping so many people get the help they need to stay alive.” Indeed, the fundraiser brought in over $900 that will be donated due to everyone who came out that night.
As for the participants, they will not be leaving empty handed either. Prizes included gift cards to Scala’s, Surf Taco, and JR’s. A combination of all three of those went to Elyssa Bucceri from Alpha Xi Delta, who won first place with her performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. A personal favorite performance of mine was Matt Avellino and Michael Mason Maull from Tau Kappa Epsilon who took a close second place. Their rendition of “Me & Mrs. Jones” by Michael Buble had all the ladies in the audience swooning at their amazing voices and how cute they were. Thanks to everyone who came out to watch, the participants, judges, and the girls of Phi Sigma Sigma, the National Kidney Foundation can deem this year a success once again.
