The lights of Norton Auditorium will shine upon the groups of students performing for charity Feb. 9-10.

The UNA Student Government Association’s University Programs Council is sponsoring the musical variety show Step Sing to raise money for the United Way Foundation.

Ticket sales began Jan. 5 and advanced tickets are available online at the UNA website for $9 or visitors can purchase them at the door for $10. The doors will open at 6pm and the show starts at 7.

There will be a donation box on site at the event and all of the proceeds will go to the UNA Food Pantry to help students who are in need.

Service Chair Allen Childers said the charity aspect of the event is one of its highlights.

“I think that’s one of the biggest things about Step Sing,” he said. “It brings together groups of students to perform and have fun to raise money for a great cause. It’s a great student-led event that shows students that we can have a great impact on our university and our community when we all come together.”

This year’s theme is “Let’s get to work” and it will feature 10 squads competing in three categories: women’s, men’s and coed.

Freshman Andrew Garrison said he thinks it is great so many groups come together to raise money for charity.

“Competitions are fun and all, but it is always good for there to be something more behind the event,” Garrison said.

In the women’s section, the competing organizations will be ZTA, Alpha Gamma Delta, Phi Mu and Alpha Delta Pi.

The organizations competing in the men’s section are ATO, Lambda Sigma Phi, Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Sigma. The only registered competitor in the coed section is the music department.

Sophomore Lauren Hall said she thinks Step Sing sounds like fun, but it is not something for her.

“I know that takes a lot of time to do, but it looks fun for anyone who likes singing and dancing,” Hall said.

Childers said it is challenging to plan an event like Step Sing.

“Planning Step Sing is a lot, between getting all the captains together, organizing the judges (and) making sure every second of the event will go smoothly, it can be a difficult task.” he said.

During last year’s event, Zeta Tau Alpha raised the most money for the UNA Food Pantry by collecting a total of $1,024.18.

The 2017 event ended in an unprecedented tie for first place between Alpha Tau Omega and the music department.

Childers also said Step Sing can be difficult for the students involved.

“The performers definitely have the toughest job,” he said. “These students go to class and work during the day and practice for hours at night. It’s a strenuous process for each and every group competing, but that’s why it’s always a great performance on both nights of the event.”

Editor’s Note: Allen Childers is the circulation manager for The Flor-Ala.