March 6, 2009

The 16th annual Pediatrics AIDS Benefit Concert, sponsored by Drexel University College of Medicine, raised over $43,000 to help children living with HIV/AIDS. More than 750 tickets were sold for the event, which was held February 21st at Drexel University’s Main Building and featured performances by Drexel University College of Medicine students, physicians, faculty and staff.

The money raised will go directly to the Pediatric AIDS Clinic at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. The AIDS program at St. Christopher's is the largest of its kind in the tri-state area, providing comprehensive care for hundreds of HIV-infected children and their families. Concert proceeds help finance the services of a dietician and a child-life specialist for the program. The funds also help provide children the opportunity to attend a summer camp which many of them would be unable to experience otherwise.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended the concert, made a financial contribution, or placed a bid on the many generously donated silent auction items," said Steve Ryder, a second year medical student who helped organize the benefit. "We are all so proud to be a part of something that helps support such an important cause."

The annual concert – a favorite event for the Drexel University College of Medicine community – features various bands, vocalists, dancers, and other talent acts, which all audition months in advance for a chance to participate. Professional DVDs of the show are available for sale, with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric AIDS clinic.