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UA student holds benefit concert for children with AIDS

Leopard-trimmed bases, slicked back hair and go-go dancers made up the atmosphere at a local coffeehouse Saturday night for a charity concert benefiting children with AIDS.

Brooke White, University of Arizona undeclared sophomore, organized the concert at Safehouse, 4024 E. Speedway Blvd., with all profits - $100 - going toward Camp Heartland.

Jason Khoury, a physics and astronomy sophomore, was among the 100 patrons who packed the coffeehouse. Khoury came to the charity concert to show support for White and her efforts.

"You don't see that nowadays," he said. "A college student putting that much of their time into something that will only benefit others."

The camp brings children from all over the country to have fun and talk freely about AIDS. Camps are held in Missouri, Minnesota and California.

White volunteered with a camp in Malibu, Calif. last summer after her older sister, who also worked at the camp, called and said they were in need of counselors.

She said she wants to attend the camp again this summer if her financial situation allows her to.

White said volunteering at the camp made such an impact in her life and the concert was a way to share those feelings with others.

"It means a lot to me," White said. "It's means a place where support is unconditional."

Khoury said the concert appeared to be a success.

"It's a good turnout and the collection boxes are slowly filling up," he added.

Khoury said the event was aimed more at raising awareness about the disease because it takes a lot of money to actually make a difference.

"When I put money in the box, it's more for symbolic reasons," Khoury said. "It just felt good."

Conor Buechler, astronomy and physics junior, attended the concert because he liked the idea of having a camp to help out children with AIDS.

"It sounds like a good cause - helping kids deal with the trauma of having AIDS," Buechler said.

Safehouse employee Stephen Dix said this is the second time in the last six months that an event has been held at the coffeehouse.

"We're open to anything. Anyone can propose an idea and we'll review it." he added.

The charity concert featured three bands - the Quadratics, Zero to 60, and The Last Call Brawlers, formally known as Justin Z and the Filthy Three.

Quadratics lead singer Matt Lewon, a history senior, said he formed a band two weeks ago after he heard White was putting on a charity concert.

"We got up a band as quick as we could," Lewon said.

He added that the concert was a great idea because it brought awareness to the disease.

"It's not a controversial cause," he said. "I think everyone agrees we should help out people with AIDS."

Mike Franklin, upright bass player for The Last Call Brawlers, was happy to be involved with the charity concert.

"I think it's cool someone's acting out rather than being an armchair activist," Franklin said.