AST raises funds, AIDS awareness

Sorority sponsors week of activities, benefit concerts

Amy Paterson / senior photographer JMU students and Harrisonburg residents embark on the annual AIDS Run/Walk Saturday. The event, part of a week-long program designed to increase AIDS awareness, was sponsored by the sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.

The sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority finished up their philanthropy week Tuesday, raising both awareness and money for the Valley AIDS Network.

AST was on the commons last week, providing students with information on AIDS.

One of AST's largest events was its annual AIDS 5K Run/Walk.

"[This] is an event that allows for easy participation of not only JMU students and faculty, but for the surrounding community as well," said junior Michelle Cary, AST philanthropy chair.

In addition to the run/walk, there were raffle prizes after the completion of the 5K. Pargos, Red Lobster and Spotswood Country Club donated prizes for the event.

AST also co-sponsored two shows and donated the procedes to the Valley AIDS Network. A Cabaret Show was held Sunday and an AIDS benefit concert was held Tuesday.

The University Health Center also offered free HIV testing Monday.

"It truly amazed me at the number of our peers and especially close friends that have discussed wanting to get tested for or look further into the prevention of the HIV epidemic because of the awareness that AST has brought about during the week," Cary said.

The Health Center offers HIV testing throughout the semester Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. For information, contact the Health Center at x8-6178.

With all the proceeds of AST's philanthropy week going to the Valley AIDS Network, funds raised will help Rockingham County residents living with HIV and AIDS.

The Valley AIDS Network "provides case management, emotional support, counseling, emergency financial assistance, educational presentations, transportation, child-care assistance and grocery shopping," to those in need, according to www.healthsystems.virginia.edu/internet/health-education.

The Valley AIDS Network is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 564-1448.

— compiled from staff reports