Renamed annual tradition brings Belmont's Fraternity and Sorority community together for a night of friendly competition and charitable giving
The spotlight shone on philanthropy and performance Sunday evening as Belmont students transformed the Curb Event Center into a showcase of talent, raising almost $90,000 for charitable causes during the annual FS Live event.
FS Live, formerly known as Greek Sing, is the same highly anticipated event under a new name, representing Fraternity and Sorority Life at Belmont. Each year the showcase brings together Belmont’s three Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities and four panhellenic sororities to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Historically, proceeds from the fundraiser have solely gone to support St. Jude, Belmont’s overarching panhellenic philanthropy. For the first time, money was also raised to support each chapter’s specific charity of choice.
This year Belmont fraternities and sororities raised an astounding $89,831 from 2,065 donors. “At noon on the day of the show we were looking at about $40,000, so to watch the donations pour in and double throughout the afternoon warmed my heart,” said Hannah Mastrofski, VP of Philanthropy for the Panhellenic Council. 60% of the donations that each chapter earned went towards St. Jude and 40% went towards each chapter's philanthropy. The event was hosted by Mastrofski and Phi Kappa Tau member Conner Boggs.
Each chapter performed a mashup of various songs with lyrics that were tailored to talk about Belmont, the panhellenic community and chapter values. Performances included props, costumes and music videos.
Chapters raised funds for the following additional charities:
- Fighting Hunger — Alpha Gamma Delta
- Girls, Inc. — Alpha Sigma Tau
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) — Kappa Alpha Theta
- Children's Miracle Network Hospitals — Phi Mu
- SeriousFun Children's Network — Phi Kappa Tau
- The Ability Experience — Pi Kappa Phi
Performance Awards
The winners were chosen from a panel of judges consisting of University staff, administration and student leaders. IGNITE student dance team and RVX, Belmont’s K-pop dance team gave performances while the judges' scores were calculated.
Overall Winner: Alpha Gamma Delta
Theme: Phi Kappa Tau
Visual Element: Kappa Alpha Theta
Best Vocals: Alpha Gamma Delta
Choreography: Phi Mu
Entertainment: Alpha Gamma Delta
Donations: Alpha Sigma Tau
Student Leadership Experience through FS Live
Panhellenic Council oversees and includes members from all four panhellenic sorority chapters. FS Live is a substantial undertaking for the student serving as VP of Panhellenic Council each year.
Mastrofski, current sophomore and Elementary Education major, gained invaluable experience as a student leader through this role.
“I originally got involved with Panhellenic because it has been such an important community to me that I wanted to do anything I could to be involved,” she said. “Becoming hands-on with FS Live and our philanthropy efforts was one of the best ways to do it — it gives me a chance to pour love back into a community that has welcomed me with such open arms.”
Mastrofski’s role included meetings with the FS Live directors from each chapter, approving lyrics and choreography, visiting rehearsals and being a student go-between for all things FS Live — an important set of responsibilities that speaks to the capability of someone who additionally works for Belmont’s Admissions office and is involved on campus with organizations such as Bruin Recruiters and Towering Traditions.
“This was an entirely volunteer position. Everyone who had a leadership role in FS Live was entirely volunteer,” said Mastrofski. “For them to put on the production and lead in that they did is just outstanding, because it just shows how much they care. I’m so grateful to all the student directors and choreographers.”
Although FS Live is a technically a contest, showcased remarkable sportsmanship was showcased Sunday night at the Curb Event Center among the chapters, who enthusiastically cheered for each performance and rose in a standing ovation when Alpha Gamma Delta claimed the overall award. “Even before the show as I was walking around, I could hear students complimenting each other's outfits, hair, you name it,” Mastrofski recalled. “There is genuine love and care within this community. We each love our chapters, but we also love the broader community that has brought us together.”
FS Live is a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion for philanthropy of Belmont students. As Mastrofski said, “The fact that FS Live even exists is a testament to how much we care.”
Learn more about life at Belmont!