Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)" played in the background as 19 women strutted down the aisles in the orchestra section of the IU Auditorium. Wearing their cocktail attire, they took the stage to begin vying for the title of Miss Greek IU 2015.

Sunday marked the fourth annual philanthropy pageant, hosted by Delta Chi. The event aimed to raise both funds and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Delta Chi's national philanthropy, as well as each of the chapter philanthropies that each contestant represented.

One contestant was sophomore Theta Phi Alpha member Darian Oliva.

Oliva said she had two reasons for choosing to participate in Miss Greek IU this year. The first was that two women in the chapter she considers to be role models had previously competed in the pageant.

"They're so confident, they're just great people," Oliva said.

The other reason she took part this year was because some of her closest friends in Theta Phi had been affected by cancer in some way.

"I decided I'd do it for them," she said.

Oliva said she began preparing for Miss Greek IU around the end of January, with a big focus on fundraising. She raised more than $4,200, with over $600 benefitting her own chapter's local philanthropy, the Salvation Army of Bloomington.

To further assist with fundraising efforts, Oliva and each of the other contestants had a fraternity sponsor. A portion of the money these men raised benefitted their own chapter's philanthropies.

During the philanthropy outfit round, contestants sported creative outfits about the chapter's philanthropies and the events that support them. Oliva wore a white dress made to look like a Twister board in honor of their annual "Twister Phi Alpha" Twister tournament.

The outfits gave attendees a chance to learn about each chapter's philanthropic efforts. Alpha Gamma Delta's Bridget Anderson ran onstage with frying pans and chased two of her sisters dressed as bacon and eggs in honor of their annual Breakfast of Champions. Delta Zeta's Brooke Monts tugged a pink and greek rope for their annual Turtle Tugs, with flags on the rope honoring a sister with cancer as well as other children with severe illnesses.

But Oliva's favorite part of Miss Greek IU? Meeting the other contestants.

"I've made a lot of new friends," she said.

Attendees also got to know the contestants better during two videos. Several contestants expressed how much they enjoyed how Miss Greek IU showcases the positive values of Greek life, breaks stereotypes and brings people together.

"It promotes what Greek life is about," said Emili Johnson of Gamma Phi Beta.

But of course, attendees were reminded of the reason behind Miss Greek IU when they watched Jim Valvano's 1993 ESPY speech and a slideshow honoring people who had lost their lives to cancer. The evening also included performances by the Hoosierettes Dance Team, Hooshir A Capella and Phi Beta Sigma's step team.

Before revealing the top five contestants, Delta Chi announced that $60,053.38 would be donated to the V Foundation and $5,249.87 would be donated to the 38 other organizations represented by all the fraternities and sororities involved this year.

"To be honest, it brought tears to my eyes," said Delta Chi member and Miss Greek IU Logistics Director Braden Bonczek. "What we accomplished will have effect much longer than any of us are alive, and I cannot describe that feeling."

Oliva and Monts were named two of the top five contestants, along with Alpha Omicron Pi's Caroline Wallace, Kappa Kappa Gamma's Kathrine Cooper and Theta Nu Xi's Stephanie Adjei. Each contestant then answered a question chosen randomly from a fishbowl onstage.

Oliva was asked what sets her apart from the other contestants. She said it's her love and drive for philanthropy, something she does every day. As a public nonprofit and community recreation major, she hopes to become a director of special events for a nonprofit.

"I would work as hard as I possibly could if given this title," she said.

After the question round, Jessica Endicott, Miss Greek IU 2014, took her final walk and addressed the audience before crowning the new Miss Greek IU.

"This experience has truly changed me and inspired me in so many ways," Endicott said.

Finally, the big moment came - and Oliva was crowned Miss Greek IU 2015. Monts was named runner-up and Wallace was voted Miss Congeniality.

"I haven't accepted that this is real," Oliva said. "I'm just very excited."

Photos are from Miss Greek IU's official Twitter account, @MissGreekIU.