Chi Psi fraternity member Roger Wright took the crown at this year’s Mr. Greek pageant, presented by Alpha Gamma Delta yesterday. In a long-standing tradition, Mr. Greek is judged on pick-up lines, talent, personality walk and fundraising, with each category being judged on a one to five point scale.

Wright will win a five percent scholarship of the amount he raised for charity, 2008 Husky football tickets and other prizes.

“I think this is the best turnout we’ve ever had,” said Brittany Mulvihill, an Alpha Gamma Delta sorority member who plans to organize the event next year. “Next year, I’m hoping for more participation.”

Last year’s Mr. Greek, Clarke Reid, was present at the event to pass the crown and give the crowd a surprise performance of his winning Tupac and piano routine.

The contestants were awarded prizes for best sense of humor, top talent and most funds raised. Wright won most fundraised, with $6,737 raised for charity.

Kane Hall was sold out for the event, with people lining the walkways, eagerly awaiting the night’s events. The Mr. Greek hopefuls all had a substantial fan base throughout the evening, but each contestant touched the crowd in some way.

The talents ranged from traditional acts, such as singing and dancing, to paint-drumming, a mime-multimedia show, and an electric guitar show with a cell phone pick.

For the 15 contestants that participated, all from different fraternities, there were seven judges, including Washington football quarterback Jake Locker and Miss Washington Teen USA Mandy Schendel.

The show started with the personality walk, followed by the pick-up line portion of the contest, with talent being the grand finale.

But behind all the pomp, the event was philanthropic. Alpha Gamma Delta puts on the event every year, and gives all the proceeds to the Treehouse Foundation and diabetes research.

At the event, it was announced that the Mr. Greek pageant raised $45,000 for the above organizations, which far outdoes last year’s $27,000.

Mr. Greek is special, said Alpha Gamma Delta sorority member Monica Dewald, because it includes so many houses and it really brings the community together.

“I’m just really proud of my house,” Dewald said. “I’m really thankful for all the hard work that everyone has done.”

[Reach reporter Celia Hunko at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]