On Thursday, Oct. 1st, APU’s honor societies Phi Delta Epsilon and Delta Sigma Delta held their 2nd annual ‘Stand For the Kids’ event on Trinity Lawn.

The competition, called “APU’s Best Dance Crew,” encouraged students to form teams and compete against each other through a freestyle or choreographed routine to raise awareness for sick children. The top three performers were awarded cash prizes: 3rd place received $25, 2nd place won $50 and 1st place went home with $100.

The food was provided by sponsors such as Chick-fil-a, Chipotle and Yogurtland, with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The night consisted of APU’s dance group Variety for One (VFO) at the judging panel, dancers readying themselves to compete, last minute sign-ups and music by DJ Royal. Alumna and baton thrower Kelsey Gillis also shared about her battle against cancer during the event, inspiring students with her triumphant victory against the disease.

“I believe there are children out there in the world that need somebody to stand up for them, and I’m hoping that this event will open people’s eyes and let them know that the children of Los Angeles, not just the world, still need our help,” 2015 alumnus communication major and emcee Juan Guerrero said.

Phi Delta Epsilon, a worldwide medical fraternity, strives to create physicians with principles in ethics, philanthropy, deity, and education through mentoring and fellowship. Phi Delta Epsilon President,event organizer and senior molecular biology major Roxana Valles shed light on the nationwide Stand for the Kids events and the positive impact of coming together to raise funds for hospitalized children.

“Phi Delta Epsilon and all participating members of the event stood to raise money for the kids at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” said Valles. “We hope that this event will shed light for the APU community about the mission of all Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals that provide care to children who enter their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. We value this mission and the integrity, service and heart that go into the work this hospital does.”

At the end of the night, Daniel Macias, a freshman social work major who signed up at the last minute, took 1st place with his solo hip-hop routine.

“I just went up there and had fun,” Macias said in his brief acceptance speech. “It was all for the glory of God.”

VFO’s performance ended the night on a high note. VFO Captain and senior allied health major Tim Landicho was excited that his team would be performing for a gratifying purpose.

“We jumped at the opportunity,” Landicho said. “We saw it as a way to support an awesome cause, we’re getting our name out there and we’re helping them out. It’s just a win-win.”