The Triangle

Issue date: 2/18/05 Section: Sci-Tech

Media Credit: Shyunti Das Potential bidders studying the variety of choices at the silent auction.

Drexel University College of Medicine students hosted the 11th Annual Pediatric AIDS Benefit Concert Feb. 11 from 7-12 p.m. at the Mutter Museum, part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, to raise money for the HIV/AIDS clinic at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. The event included a concert and silent auction, along with the Mutter Museum exhibition and refreshments.

Initiated by Dennis Novack, a professor at DUCOM, the event is mostly organized by students enrolled in various plans of study at the CoM. During the academic year leading up to the event, these students ask various businesses and vendors to donate food or auction items, which are used alongside student contributions to the event. The location for the event is donated by the College of Physicians each year. The concert includes vocal, instrumental and dance performances by Drexel students and faculty.

Media Credit: Shyunti Das A few members of The Philharmonics, all of whom are endocrinologists, during their performance during the benefit. Left to right: Rita Axelrod on keyboard, Bernard Eskin on alto saxophone and Lawrence Miller on trombone.

This year's food donations covered a wide range, including bagels, pastries, juices, vegetables and pizza. The concert included individual and small group performances by medical students, along with some physicians groups such as the Philharmonics.

Donations from individuals include monetary, food and auction donations. Total funds raised from the event are not compiled until some time after the event, as companies often match employees' donations. Patrons of this year's event included DUCOM Dean Joseph Bloom's office, the University Provost Ali Houshmand's office and the Drexel University Student Council, all of whom donated over $1000.

Mike Pasirstein, a second year medical student at the CoM who coordinated the event, stated that "I think it would be fair to say that last night was the largest turnout [compared to previous years]."

Media Credit: Shyunti Das Students mingle in the lobby during the course of the night.

DUCOM students also organize various other humanitarian events during the year, including a rose sale run by the Pediatric Interest Group to raise money for cystic fibrosis and the HIV/AIDS clinic at St. Christopher's and the Fall Cultural Show run by the South Asian Medical Student Association. St. Christopher's Hospital is associated with Drexel's College of Medicine; students may choose to work in the hospital as part of their medical training.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools