Starlight, Stars Shone Bright

In lieu of Thursday nights meteor shower, the Beta Phi Sorority’s Annual Starlight Show gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, “shooting stars.” In an effort to raise funds for the organization Books For Love, the Beta Phi Sorority held their annual benefit show, and it was certainly one to remember.

Photo: Group Performance - Diamond Life

Through the loss of Lorena Ortega-Gutierrez’s brother, a Beta Phi alumna, the inspirational and impacting organization, Books For Love, was created. In honor of her brother, Love, Lorena started the group to collect and donate school supplies to underprivileged children in the Philippines and Brazil. Since becoming established, the organization has sent over 5,000 books to a vast number of children and communities.

“My first spoken word performance was at Starlight Show in 2011,” shared solo artist Lauren Funiestas. As an alumna of Beta Phi Sorority, she has watched as the show and organization has become what it is today.

Photo: Performer - Lauren Funiestas

It is with the consistent support of talented Bay Area performers, that the Starlight Show has raised hundreds of dollars each year to contribute to Books For Love. After this year’s performance, the showcase has once again been able to raise a few hundred dollars for the organization.  

The culmination of group and solo talent left for a night of pure awe. Groups like, Front Street Girls and Diamond Life, as well as solo performances from Lauren Funiestas, PAZ and Frisco, gave the audience an evening of excitement and a glimpse into the “realness” that is Bay Area arts.

The night was successfully topped of with headlining performances by DJ Mista-B and Rocky Rivera. As DJ Mista-B created an audience roar with his unmatched DJ skills, the cherry on top was with Rocky Rivera and her up-close, “fireside” performance. Though not her typical venue, Rocky Rivera made certain that the show captured her raw and urban Bay Area vibe, proclaiming, “You all are the coolest sorority I know.”

Photo: Performer - Rocky Rivera

Despite the adversity that many Bay Area students and performers have faced, the willingness of our youth to give back to others despite any personal hardships, is yet another reason to continue our hope in humanity.

“Your biggest oppressor is yourself,” noted the a cappella singers of Front Street Girls. For them, the chance to perform at the Starlight Show was another opportunity to fulfill their belief in philanthropy and female artists. “Struggle through and you can succeed.”

Photo: Group Performance - Front Street Girls

Though the next performance is yet another year away, it is not to say that both Beta Phi Sorority and our Bay Area artists have once again made the stars shine just a bit more bright.

By Rebecca Richardson

Photo Links:
Nico: http://i48.tinypic.com/xyv08.jpg
PAZ: http://i48.tinypic.com/29atf6x.jpg
Front Street Girls: http://i48.tinypic.com/ny5hy1.jpg
Lauren Funiestas: http://i46.tinypic.com/mrb4x.jpg
Diamond Life: http://i47.tinypic.com/34zhu05.jpg ; http://i47.tinypic.com/29nf53r.jpg
Rocky Rivera: http://i48.tinypic.com/3522fcw.jpg

And So The Semester Begins...

We all remember the first meeting back after the previous school year has ended. The anxiousness to show off any new looks, excitement to see those who went dormant over the summer, and the anticipation of how long the meeting was going to run. But despite the nerves and excitement, each "first meeting of the year" posed a milestone to which we would measure the course of the year. It was the ritual that came naturally. It was the time to inspire and drive what would be long, but productive semesters ahead.

First meetings were always my favorite. I couldn't wait to hear about the plans for Rush and see what great ideas had been cooking all summer long. It was the ultimate chance to start from ground zero again; having the opportunity to rebuild those things which we did not like the year before or grow upon those which we did. Watching the new leaders take their places at the front of the room was almost breathtaking. I have always looked forward to the first meeting of the year, because we are finally together again, as one.

FALL 2012- Semester Highlights

Be sure to keep you eyes out for these exciting events!

Bid Night/ Rush Potluck - Friday, September 7th, 2012

Starting Line- Sunday, October 7th, 2012

Beta Phi 101- Friday, October 19th, 2012

Checkpoint- Friday, October 26th to Saturday, October 27th, 2012

Active-Associate Dinner- Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

Final Stretch- Sunday, November 11th to Sunday, November 18th, 2012

Retreat- Friday, November 16th to Sunday, November 18th, 2012

Active-Alumni Dinner- Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 

SPRING 2012- Dates to look forward to

National Heart Day - "Dance your Heart Out"- Alumni Philanthropy - February 1st, 2012 

(More info to come!)

And so we begin...

You've moved from the Inner Circle to the Outer Circle, from student to graduate, from young adult to REAL adult. Your eyes have passed through moments of strife and pure happiness. You know the difference between love and lust. You are the Alumni.

After graduation, I found myself still enticed by Beta Phi. The consistently changing dynamic left me feeling like I needed more. I thrived off the novelty and excitement of not knowing what could happen. While my time as an Active quickly came to an end, I still felt the desire to connect with the new-age generations, even more so then I had before. It wasn't too long ago that I was taking drinking and fashion advice from girls well under my years. But I loved it. I wanted to hold on to it.

I want to document these moments; Make my Beta Phi moments tangible for those who have maybe lost connection to the sisterhood or moved on to another chapter in their lives. I believe as Alumni, we have a unique opportunity to understand and view the sorority happenings in a unique and experienced light. And I plan to do just that.