Sorority presents pageant, proceeds benefit crisis center

Alpha Chi Omega is bringing Hollywood stars to the University Center Ballroom from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday.

It’s part of this year’s Mr. Alpha Chi pageant, where male University students dress up as their favorite Hollywood characters to compete for a $150 prize.

“Rumor has it there will be characters like Ron Burgandy from “Anchorman,” Maverick from “Top Gun,” McSteamy from “Grey’s Anatomy” and some guys from “Jersey Shore,” president Lisa Baldridge said.

Alpha Chi Omega members are selling tickets for $3. Tickets also can be purchased the night of the show for $5.

Students can bid on silent-auction items such as restaurant gift cards, movie tickets, hair and tanning services and gift baskets during the event as well.

All proceeds benefit the East Texas Crisis Center for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

“We chose the East Texas Crisis Center to support because they are a local organization that upholds Alpha Chi Omega’s national philanthropy standards,” Baldridge said.

The 2009 pageant raised about $1,000 for the crisis center, and this year sorority members hope to raise more, member Tara Callahan said.

“We need people there to raise money,” Baldridge said. “You come, you’re entertained, and you’re helping out a great cause,”

The pageant consists of three rounds in which judges Yaziri Orrostieta, an Alpha Chi Omega alumna, Brittany Childs, University Greek adviser, and reigning Mr. Alpha Chi Tin Nguyen are judging the men on creativity, originality, entertainment and talent.

During the first round, contestants say a catch phrase as a clue for audience and judges about their character.

“If they chose James Bond, they would dress up in a tux and say, ‘The name’s Bond. James Bond,’” Callahan said.

In the talent round, contestants show their personal talents.

“Some will sing, some will dance, and I think one guy is doing stand-up comedy as his talent,” Baldridge said.

In the final round, the men present a memorized 30-second monologue or skit and can include audience members or friends in the act.

“It’s Tyler men, who are in your classes, who you know, dressed up as Hollywood characters. They go out there and do whatever it takes to win,” Baldridge said.

In addition to $150, Mr. Alpha Chi also receives a crown and a bouquet of cookies.

“Not only are all of the proceeds donated to the East Texas Crisis Center, but Mr. Alpha Chi helps to spread awareness to a somewhat taboo topic,” Callahan said. “People need to know what domestic violence is, how many people it affects and how to prevent it. Mr. Alpha Chi is a great way to introduce this information to students in the Tyler community.”