Elon Cares performance raises money for artists struggling with HIV, AIDS

Elon Cares partnered with the Gender and LGBTQIA Center for its 16th annual performance benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids on Jan. 11 in Yeager Recital Hall. The show included performances by students from Broadway favorites such as SIX, Shrek the Musical and RENT.

Elon Cares worked with Broadway Cares to raise money in order to provide items such as healthy meals, medication and emergency assistance for artists with HIV and AIDS.

Freshman Allison McCarthy, who attended the performance, said performing arts always provided her with a sense of nostalgia and happiness. 

“Angelina by Lizzy McAlpine was one of my favorite numbers they performed,” McCarthy said. “I have never seen queer love represented so accurately with such beauty and emotion, especially with such young performers.” 

Each performance included singing and dancing ranging from fun and enthusiastic tones to sentimental and serious tones. 

Freshman Abby Monsanto also attended the performance and said she felt as though the performers cultivated an immersive experience for her and connected with the audience.

“Every time they looked at me during a song, it felt like they were grabbing my hand and pulling me on stage,” Monsanto said.

Luis Garay, the producer of the show and director of the GLC, said they were proud of the time and energy given by the performers and creative directors of the production. Garay also said the work done with Broadway Cares directly impacts local communities.

Garay said the Triad Health Project is one of 10 organizations in North Carolina directly affiliated with Broadway Cares as one of its grantees. Triad Health Project, a non-profit located in Greensboro has worked to promote sexual health and justice and a future free from HIV. 

The Triad Health Project worked with the Elon Cares performance to help spread awareness and provide the information needed to end the stigma surrounding HIV. 

Throughout the performance, donations were welcomed as Elon Cares worked to reach a goal of $1,000. Currently, the total has surpassed the goal and has reached $2,324.