Cabaret funds AIDS network

Drag queens will reign the stage to raise money for the Valley AIDS Network at the second annual Cabaret Show March 21 at 8 p.m in the College Center Grand Ballroom.

The University Health Center and the University Program Board are sponsoring the event. The money raised will be donated to the Valley AIDS Network, which provides funds for AIDS education and patients.

Sabrina B., Ms. Gay Harrisonburg 2002-'03, will emcee and perform at this year's show for the second year in a row.

"We've been doing AIDS benefit shows for years and years and never raised a lot of money, so we wanted to team up with another organization," Sabrina B. said. "Then, we teamed up with the JMU Health Center and the AIDS benefit shows went to the next level."

Thirteen other professional drag queens from Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far away as Kentucky will be lip-syncing to music tracks, dancing and performing comedy acts, according to Sabrina B.

Freshman Jeremy Paredes, UPB director of media and public relations, said this year's goal is to top last year's donations.

Ann Simmons, coordinator of health promotions, said that the Health Center hopes to raise $5,000 this year. Last year, it raised $2,300. "We hope this year, because we will have the whole ballroom, we'll have a full house," Simmons said.

Paredes said, "UPB is definitely working to enhance our community, and we believe in giving back to Harrisonburg — it's our home away from home."

AIDS prevention and awareness also is a main focus of the event in addition to raising money for the network. R.E.A.C.H. peers coordinators will discuss statistics and prevention of the disease during breaks, according to Simmons.

Raffle prizes will be given out during the show ranging from dinner at the Four Points Sheraton to Pamela's Secrets gift certificates.

While last year's Cabaret Show featured Student Body President Levar Stoney, a senior, on the runway in drag, no word has been released if the audience will experience something similar this year, according to junior Steve Shoup, UPB director of variety events.

"No one has committed to the idea, but this year's show promises to be just as outrageous and entertaining as last year's," he said.

Paredes said, "I think it's a really entertaining program, but that's not the entire focus of it. Its intention is to raise awareness about AIDS, and it's important for students to know about this sexually transmitted disease."

Tickets are $5 at the door or $3 with a donation of a toiletry item such as toothpaste or soap for the Valley AIDS network, according to Simmons. Patrons also are encouraged to tip the performers, she said.