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Alpha Phi Alpha to host annual step show to benefit Cookeville Regional Cancer Center

Alpha Phi Alpha’s annual step show competition will be held Thursday, March 31 in Derryberry Hall Auditorium.

Every year, Alpha Phi Alpha holds a step show competition that raises money for Cookeville Regional Medical Center’s Cancer Center.

In 2014, an alumni member died of cancer, making the Cancer Center a close connection to the fraternity.

Wolfgang Bronner, Alpha Phi Alpha president, said, “The Cancer Center really helped him out a lot, so we make it a point to donate to them every year when we do the campus wide step show.”

Aside from small, organizational changes there was one big change to the step show that was made this year. Each organization competing was asked to raise money for their national philanthropies. Organizations hosted individual spirit nights at restaurants in town where part of the proceeds were donated to their national philanthropy.

Laney Elrod, Phi Mu sorority member and team coach, said, “I think that sometimes we all get caught up in the big competition of step show, so I love how APhiA directed it more toward our individual philanthropies this year.”

Step routines are required to be between 12 to 20 minutes long, so organizations usually get an early start when it comes to practicing. In the past, organizations have started practicing three to four months in advance.

“I’m excited for everyone to see what we’ve been working so hard on for the last four months,” said Elrod.

Over 700 tickets are being sold for the event, and will be on sale Monday, March 28 until Thursday, March 31 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the first floor of the Roaden University Center.

Bronner said he expects a sold-out show because of the amount of tickets already sold and the excitement that has been expressed by everyone planning on attending.

Doors will open at 6:06 p.m. and the show will start at approximately 7 p.m.