SAI sisters sing to raise money for Susan G. Komen Foundation

Last week, Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) shared songs and poetry to raise awareness of breast cancer. The women gathered together in the Max Noah Recital Hall for a musicale entitled “An Evening of Inspiration.” Soft pink decorations and pretty pink flowers matched the performers’ light pink attire.

The sisters of SAI performed songs that were uplifting, and each had a special meaning. Some sang while accompanied by the piano, while others entertained through instrumental pieces. A few of the sisters even shared their souls through courageous poetry.

The evening’s presentations were simple, yet elegant. Each piece was filled with rich melodies or sweet memories that showcased the womens’ skills.

“I thought it was very uplifting,” said sophomore psychology major Libby Ellis. “There was a lot of talent.”

SAI is a music fraternity made up of women who share a passion for music. The organization was formed before the word sorority was used; therefore, they are a female fraternity. Only about half of the women are actually music majors. The rest are music minors or other majors. To pledge, it is necessary to have a minimum of 2 music credits.

“The main requirement is to have a passion for music, and that is where the basis of our fraternity lies, that everyone has a passion and a love for music, and that’s what brings us together,” said Shelley Justen, the musicale coordinator.

Senior Laura Lynch, president of SAI, said that the women use music and their talents as a platform for service.

“I think our main purpose is to spread the joy of music to others in the community,” Lynch said.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Musicale is SAI’s main service project.

Justen said that every one of the sisters has been effected by breast cancer in some way.

“So we knew with this being an organization of women, this was something that would more than likely effect one of us in the future. The statistics are getting so high that the chances of one of us in the group getting breast cancer is very, very possible,” she said.

Justen believes that breast cancer is a disease people rarely hear about. She said that they wanted to do the musicale to not only raise money, but to raise awareness as well.

“It’s not just effecting older people, and I think people really think that. But it’s not,” Justen said. “It’s affecting people closer to our age, and so if we don’t start waking up and realizing that, then it could affect us before we know it.”

Before the musicale, a silent auction was held. Participants bid on cakes and purses to raise money for breast cancer research. All of the donations went directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The breast cancer awareness musicale is held annually, and the sisters hope to see more people come in future years.

“I would like to see more and more students come because I think it’s something important for them to hear about,” Justen said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 4 2005. Filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry