While some students wake up early to get to class, others rise, skip prior engagements and line up outside the Azalea Room in the new University Union to shop.

Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority held their first charity denim benefit March 13, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Getting the idea from a friend at Clemson University, organizer Lauren Moser promoted and put on a successful event to raise money for juvenile diabetes.

“It’s been crazy,” sorority member Elizabeth Purinai said after opening. “I didn’t think that it’d be this big right away, but after 15 minutes we had already sold 19 pairs of jeans.”

Students of both genders were offered 40-60 percent off original priced, new designer jeans including Citizens of Humanity, Rock & Republic, Joe’s Jeans, True Religion and 7 for all Mankind. Alpha Gamma Delta collaborated directly with the national company Charity Denim to organize the event. ten dollars of each purchased pair went to charity and by the end of the event 108 jeans had been sold. Around $1,000 of all proceeds will be put toward research and medical bills for juvenile diabetes.

Even before opening time, more than 50 students had lined up at the door and were finally let in to browse, try on denim and purchase their favorites a little after 9:30 a.m.

Early shopper Katherine Brooks said, “The prices are great seeing as most of the jeans that they’re selling are usually $150 and above at stores.”

Purchasing both a pair of Joe’s Jeans and Sevens, this freshman was pleased with her selection.

“There were a lot of different jeans to choose from which made it easier to find the perfect pair,” Brooks said. “And I’m sure they were able to raise a lot of money for a good cause because it was so crowded. There were lines outside of the door.”

“I’m amazed by the turnout,” Moser said during the benefit.

“I think it’s a really great event because it’s right on campus so everyone can take part in it,” Purinai said. “And it’s really cool because you get to shop and buy great jeans, but you don’t feel guilty because the money is going to charity.”

While the Alpha Gamma Delta did not reach their goal of $2,000, they can still congratulate themselves on not only the turnout of students, but also on the money that they did raise for juvenile diabetes.