A Fresno State sorority is making a push on campus today to help one of its sisters, Helen Ochoa, in her quest to win the Objetivo Fama contest under way on the Univision network (Fresno affiliates KTFF Ch. 61).

The Sigma Alpha Zeta sorority, joined by the Sigma Omega Phi sorority, will be in the Free Speech Area today with Univision  and its radio station, La Kalle 107.9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. urging students, and the public in general, to call in a vote for Ochoa who faces elimination this week.

Two of her real sisters, Francisca and Sandra Ochoa, are helping the sororities drum up support for Helen who is among 20 finalists in the contest that is the Spanish-language version of American Idol.

"This past Sunday, Helen was nominated to leave the competition and it's up to the public to save her by casting their votes via text messaging to keep her in," said Francisca, a Fresno State alumnus with a business administration degree.  Sandra is a liberal arts major and a member of the Sigma Omega Phi sorority.

Helen, a native of Mendota, is pursing a degree in mass communications journalism at Fresno State but is not enrolled this semester so she could focus on the contest which requires her to travel, Francisca said.

The contestants are currently in Puerto Rico preparing for this weekend's show when another round of eliminations will occur. In Fresno, it airs on Sunday at 6 p.m. on KTFF Ch. 61.

The "Vote Por Helen" campaign was also on campus last week as well as at schools she has attended in Mendota. Her sorority sisters also are plugging for her on their personal web sites.

"We have already saved her once with 59.5 percent of the votes and we can do it again," Francisca said. "We are asking her community, her fellow Bulldogs, the university, and all

Supporters can vote until 8 p.m. Friday through Cingular by text-messaging "VOTA" to 326202. There is a charge to subscribers for each message.

However, Aztek Cellular, a Cingular provider in Fresno, will allow supporters at today's rally in the Free Speech Area to vote free of charge, said company spokesperson Rosa Lopez. They can also vote free at Aztek Cellular store locations in Fresno and Madera.

Francisca said Helen also hopes to come back to Fresno State and get credit for her experience.

"She is not only pursuing a singing career but it is also undergoing an educational musical arts experience," Francisca said. "The top 20 finalists receive intense professional training for three months in Puerto Rico in singing, technique, dance, theatre, image, performance and fashion.  Their stay, training, and interaction is broadcast nationally on Telefutura every Sunday."

The radio station has made "VOTA POR HELENA" t-shirts for fans who call in a vote for Helen.