Sonoma State's Lip Jam raises the bar on raising money

Get ready for Lip Jam, one of the longest running student-produced events at Sonoma State University. This year’s lip-sync and dance competition is Saturday, Feb. 28, with roughly 600 entertainers from 10 to 16 campus sororities and fraternities expected to take the stage.

Since 1991, members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority have hosted the annual philanthropic event. This year, SSU’s Delta Rho Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta hopes to raise $40,000 for diabetes research.

“Last year, we raised $36,888, and the previous year was about $35,000,” said Kristen Ridgers, a senior environmental studies major who is coordinating Lip Jam.

“The combined two-year total earned us the Best Financial Support over the Biennium award, which is a national award for Alpha Gamma Delta chapters. We have won it in previous years and would like to win it again.”

The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Green Music Center, its third year at that venue. Tickets are expected to sell out.

“When the event started, it was held on campus in Pearson Theatre,” Ridgers said. “As it grew, it moved to Spreckels, which was a great venue, but just not as large. (The Green Center) is a beautiful theater, and we are so honored we get to use it.”

Lip Jam is similar to events held by other Greek organizations across the nation, but Delta Rho mixes things up by requiring each group’s routine to include random props and activities.

This year’s theme is “See America in One Night,” with each organization asked to create a performance from the songs of two artists from a state of their choice, each from a different musical genre. Frank Sinatra’s “Come fly with me” must also be included in every performance.

Because membership varies at SSU’s Greek organizations, some groups may have 10 contestants, while others have up to 125. The only standing rule is that no more than 70 people can be on stage at any one time.

“We would like everyone to know the community is always invited,” said Ridgers, who has been part of Lip Jam for four years. “This is a very positive, PG-rated show that raises money for a good cause and is great for the whole family. Delta Rho appreciates all of the support we receive from the community and families.”

Alpha Gamma Delta’s Lip Jam 2015 starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Green Music Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave. Tickets are $20-$25, $15-$20 for students at tickets.sonoma.edu or at the Student Center box office.

For more information or to make a donation, email ssulipjam@gmail.com.