Alpha Phi Gamma sorority held its first Caffeinated Poetry Slam at Java 101, 901 Lucinda Ave., Tuesday, with a variety of performances that included original and recited poetry and several musical performances.

The event raised money for the family member of an NIU graduate who suffers from cancer.

“Poetry is something that a lot of people do, and I thought it’d be a good way to create some kind of outlet for people,” said Alpha Phi Gamma member and freshman public health major Michele Song, who organized the event.

Freshman marketing major Ryan Lotich read his poem, “I Want To Be A Poet.” Lotich read poetry several times while in high school and said the poem came out of his thoughts on the possibility of becoming a poet. It was his first poetry reading at NIU.

“It is hard to get on stage,” Lotich said. “You don’t know what people will think of you or your writing.”

Sophomore business major Briana Fukushima read “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.

“I chose Maya Angelou because her words touch anybody,” Fukushima said. “‘Still I Rise’ is an empowerment poem.”

Junior Spanish major Jackie Beauchamp read her poem “Try,” which centered on a person who can’t find out who they are.

“I was a little nervous, so I sort of ran offstage, but while I was up there, I felt good,” Beauchamp said.

Molly Farrelly performed her original song “The Heartbreak of a First Love.” Other musical performances included Jimmy Moon’s rendition of “Come Back Down” by Lifehouse and Julia Choi and Singto performing “Now That You’re Near” by Hillsong.

The crowd that gathered filled nearly every table and the audience cheered performers.

“I didn’t expect this much of a turnout,” Song said. “I’m very excited.”