Nine student organizations competed to raise money for charity in a packed Norton Auditorium during the annual Step Sing event Feb. 7.

Alpha Tau Omega claimed victory for overall best performance with its “Mafia Men” routine.

“There is no comparable feeling to getting up there and doing that with such a hard working group of men,” said Alpha Tau’s Step Sing captain Alex Hughes. “These guys just come in, and they work their butts off and pour their hearts into it.”

The fraternity also won first place in the men’s division.

“(Alpha Tau’s) performance was upbeat and they never had a slow song, so it kept the show going,” said sophomore Rachel Osborne. “It kept the crowd energized throughout their performance.”

The villain-themed event benefits United Way of Northwest Alabama, the local branch of a national organization that provides programs to help the community financially, educationally, and healthwise, according to its website.

“We are very grateful, particularly this year after the loss of businesses such as Hillshire Brands and Hon, Corp.,” said Caitlin Holland, director of Resource Development. “Step Sing raises an incredibly significant amount of money.”

Alpha Gamma Delta won the Kids Choice Award, voted on by local children in the Shoals area, and first place in the women’s division with their Lion King-themed performance “Beyond Pride Rock”.

Phi Mu received the People’s Choice Award, raising $921 from donations during the two days of Step Sing. The sorority was also named second place in the women’s division.

The Honors Student Organization took first place in the co-ed division with its “Zombies” performance.

“There wasn’t anyone competing against us in coed, but we’re thrilled to win first place again,” said Step Sing captain Hailey Boeck, “It’s just nice to have a coed division and be able to represent honors kids on campus. “It’s nice to show them (we) can do fun things too.”