Teens take time to fight illness that can affect all of us

THE chill of last Saturday's weather was unable to stop at least 200 people from participating in the heartwarming cause of fighting AIDS at the second Danc'n for AIDS benefit.

With subzero temperatures and the wind whirling outside, the dancers took to the floor at MECCA after collecting pledges to help raise money for AIDS research, care and education.

The 200 people, a far cry from the expected 700, rocked to the beat of Milwaukee's own Rhinocerotic, a fairly average rock band that had a tough time getting the crowd going. Things were mellow until the dance got a surge of energy near the end.

Disc jockeys sponsored by V100 radio station accompanied the band to give the crowd a more familiar beat to dance to. The music was pumping from 7 to 11:30, but the dancers were free to come and go.

The most positive sight at the dance from a teen perspective were the fellow teenagers who attended. In an even mix of adults and minors, energetic and concerned teens flocked to the dance floor to fight a disease that is the rising cause of death in our age group.

AIDS is the sixth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 and while AIDS kills an American every six minutes, teenagers took 270 minutes out of their evening to strap on some dancing shoes and stomp those statistics.

Organizers felt the small attendance was due to the weather. Despite the mediocre atmosphere, it was for a noble cause and is expected to happen again next year.

Copyright 1995
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