Sliding from side to side in unison as if attached by an invisible string, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha warmed up the crowd at their Welcome Week bash Saturday with an impromptu, mini step show.

Alpha Phi Alpha, a traditionally black fraternity that is part of the National Pan Hellenic Council, held a party in the Marvin Center Ballroom to raise funds for Martha’s Table, a charity for the homeless. The brothers also collected canned goods.

“We’re not the typical fraternity,” Director of Intake Chanler Langham said. “Our mission is for the community, not just ourselves.”

Alpha Phi Alpha President David Burt said the largest program the fraternity presents is the annual step show, which will take place in February as part of Black History Month. Last year, Alpha Phi Alpha raised $2,000 for D.C. public schools from the step show proceeds.

In addition, members will participate in Project Alpha, a program to educate young D.C. boys about sex and respecting women, Langham said.

Fraternity members also will discuss “Surviving Freshman Year” in Mitchell Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Burt said students should give the fraternity a chance because members offer educational programming to the community.

Freshman Chanel Haliburton said a flier prompted her to attend the party Saturday.

“I came out for Alpha Phi Alpha and some step,” she said.

-Francesca Di Meglio