By Cindy Proctor, JDRF blogger

Alpha Gamma Delta recently held its annual SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE competition with the proceeds benefiting the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, which focuses on Juvenile Diabetes research. The VCU sorority has sponsored this competition for 6 years and clearly the event has a reputation for a lively evening replete with creative choreography, costumes and themes – not to mention some really good dancing! The Ballroom was packed early with over 200 spectators, who paid $5 each to cheer on their favorite dancers.

Eight competitors vied for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and their routines rocked the ballroom. Lots of toe tapping, boisterous applause, and woo-hoo’s were going on as each group or individual dancer competed. The judges panel, which included Central Virginia JDRF Development Coordinator, Becca Davidson and intern Mary Waller certainly had some tough decisions to make. But they weren’t the only ones. Each spectator also could vote for his or her top three. So, at the end of the competition, everyone eagerly filled in their ballots as the sorority sisters fanned out to collect the votes.

While the crowd eagerly awaited the tallies, raffle prizewinners were awarded gifts from places like Sweet Frog, Noodles and Company, Starbucks, and more! Led by philanthropy coordinator, Joanna Rohlf, Alpha Gam had clearly been busy promoting this charity event in multiple ways to ensure a particularly generous donation to JDRF.

Finally, the judges emerged with results in hand and the winners were announced. But not until “Superlatives” were awarded to: Ian McCleland, representing Sigma Alpha Epsilon, for “Most Creative Choreography;” Michelle Russell, representing Zeta Tau Alpha, for “Best Costume;” and Muevelo at VCU for “Best Charisma.”

As it turned out, the “Superlatives” winners also walked away with the top dancing honors.

• Ian McCleland won first prize and $150 for his chosen philanthropy
• Michelle Russell won 2^nd prize and $100 for her chosen philanthropy
• Muevelo at VCU won 3^rd prize and $50 for its chosen philanthropy

All in all, it was a really exciting and successful evening that provided fundraising and awareness for a truly worthy cause. But the Alpha Gam sisters won’t rest on their laurels for long. Ms. Rohlf said that they will soon set their sights on a spring fundraiser, Poker and Pearls, and then another, Jail and Bail, in September – both of which will also benefit JDRF.

*photos coming soon!*