Dance-a-thon raises support for AIDS

January 30, 2007

Written by Corrie Bonham, Plan International USA intern

Causing more than 3.1 million deaths per year, the AIDS epidemic has been noticeably gaining focus as Americans realize the gravity of the virus and importance of their actions.

In response to the 2006 World AIDS Day on December 1st, Plan’s youth organization, YUGA, decided to host a dance-a-thon inspiring friends and family to “move to stop AIDS.” The event was a success, as more than 200 people gathered for the six-hour night at the Loom Studio in Providence, Rhode Island. The evening was filled with music, art, raffles and, of course, dancing—all to help Plan’s involvement in Uganda through education and prevention programs.

Through loud music and fun events, however, no one lost sight of the night’s focus. A section of the Loom Studio was dedicated to an art display with an AIDS quilt, youth photography from the United States and Uganda, and work from artist Hillary Wallis. As dancers enjoyed the music, they were also able to participate in the large raffle raising more funds for the work in Uganda. Over $1,600 was raised from the raffles alone, being only a fraction of the $4,500 raised throughout the night from sponsors and donations.

In addition to the money raised, Plan organized participants to sign 150 letters for three members of the Rhode Island government. The first of the letters was written to support and co-sponsor the reintroduction of the PATHWAY Act to respond to the specific needs of women and girls. Other letters were written to Senators Reed and Whitehouse, urging them to push for full funding of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Overall, members of the community responded to Plan’s dance-a-thon with great enthusiasm and effort. The dance-a-thon was able to provide attendees with an entertaining and productive evening centered on the critical issue of HIV/AIDS.

Great thanks are due to all who organized and attended the event, and helped Plan work for the fight against AIDS. Keep informed about even more ways that you can stay connected with Plan’s efforts towards eliminating HIV/AIDS, child trafficking, poverty, and other issues at www.planusa.org.

For more information on hosting an event to support YUGA or Plan USA , please contact yuga@planusa.org.