Life > February 7, 2008

By Caroline Edgeton | Staff writer

For the past five years, the university’s Gay Straight Student Alliance (GSSA) has held an annual fundraiser to raise money for Winston-Salem’s AIDS Care Service.

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ACS is a local non-profit organization that remains the only AIDS care program in Forsyth County aside from hospital treatment.

However, this is not your typical fundraiser. There are no bake sales or five kilometer runs involved with this one. There are high heels, dance music, big wigs, stage make-up and sequined dresses, though.

Oh, and of course, very secure men performing with all of the above (not men from the university, mind you).“It’s just a huge party,” GSSA president Kelly Chauvin said.

This year’s theme is “I Said Red” and the show is sure to bring a large crowd.

Each year, the drag show gathers 300-500 people who want to let loose and dance the night away with local drag entertainers and a live DJ hired by the GSSA. Clearly, the point of this fundraiser is to raise money for AIDS all proceeds go to ACS. Many people go and enjoy the fact that they are participating in something extremely fun while also raising money for a greater good.

Others go simply to experience something a little out of the ordinary the University party scene.Unless things get interesting, this is definitely not something you would see on any typical Wednesday.

“The past five years have been very successful. We have raised well over $1000 for this organization,” Chauvin

Tickets are only $10, which is quite a deal. These men are actual professionals taking time away from their jobs to help raise money for charity. “It’s one of the best nights on campus,” Chauvin said.

ACS fortunately receives a fair amount of recognition from the university and various schools in the state. R.J. Reynolds High school recently held an a cappella concert entitled Jam for Hope. I did not attend, but I heard only wonderful things about it.

Singing groups can attract a large crowd of people for sure, but a professional drag show should bring just as much attention. I feel I can safely say that Demon Drag will be as much of a success as the a cappella concert. Who doesn’t want to come out and party with a bunch of people who only want to have fun? There will be a cash bar and lots of music and dancing.

It will be held at 9 p.m. don Feb. 15 in Benson 401.

“It’s supposed to end around 1 (a.m.), but we kind of keep on dancing,” Chauvin said.

Overall, it sounds like it’s going to be a really good time.

Everyone should come out and go a little crazy with people who aren’t afraid to do so themselves; all while raising money for an incredibly worthyhumanitarian cause.

It’s a completely win-win situation.