Greek Groove, a dance competition between UNC’s Panhellenic sororities, will be held in Memorial Hall Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The proceeds from this event will go to the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED).
Approaching its ninth year on campus, Greek Groove has grown to be a huge event for the Panhellenic community. Ashton Edge, vice president of special events for UNC’s Panhellenic Council, has been involved in Greek Groove since her first year on campus and has become increasingly more involved each year. Now a junior, she says that this year has been an especially rewarding experience.
“I would have to say that planning this year’s event has been my favorite experience thus far,” Edge said. “I have been able to see chapters’ performances develop from an idea to an amazing choreographed routine, full of personality and excitement. It’s been a really fun and memorable process.”
Edge believes the event is a source of pride for many in the Panhellenic community because all of the proceeds are donated to CEED.
“I think that people participate in this event because, not only is it a really fun experience, but it also benefits a great organization and a cause that affects so many, and one that many of our members feel passionate about supporting," Edge said.
In addition to raising money for CEED, the winning chapter also received a monetary prize for its national philanthropy. Greek Groove is also special for senior Kara Washington, head coach of Zeta Tau Alpha’s dance team, who has also been involved in the event since her first year. Washington’s favorite memory from the event was last year when ZTA won the event and earned $1,000 for its cause, increasing breast cancer education and awareness.
“We put so much time and effort into that routine, and it was so much fun to perform alongside my best friends,” Washington said.
UNC Panhellenic President Hayley Boland said she has been impressed at the level of commitment each chapter has had to Greek Groove. Through ticket sales, T-shirt sales and several benefit nights hosted by the Panhellenic Council leading up to the event, she said Greek Groove has become a major fundraising event for CEED.
“CEED is a cause that is really close to the hearts of many of our Panhellenic women,” Boland said. “Many of our members have had personal encounters with eating disorders, and CEED helps people overcome these challenges. Greek Groove is a way for women to proudly represent their chapters, while being dedicated to a worthy cause.”
