Alpha Lambda Sigma (ALS) sorority hosted its annual Red Masquerade Ball to support the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Thursday night, Dec. 4 in the Briarcliff Dining Hall.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is the global leader dedicated to seeking an end to pediatric HIV/AIDS though research, advocacy, and prevention, according to the foundation’s mission statement. Roughly 700 children are infected with AIDS everyday and through the foundation, the goal is to reduce that number to zero.

Attendees gathered together to raise awareness about safe sex and use of materials that can transfer the disease, AIDS.

“We donate to a great cause that we feel can make a difference,” said Sara Voorhees, ALS sister and the host of the night. “No child should die from AIDS and we can help eliminate pediatric AIDS with our annual event”

Informational brochures about AIDS/HIV and condoms scattered the tables as decorations in order to promote safe sex and force those attending to question, “why risk it?”

Voorhees began by presenting a video of Elizabeth Glaser, the founder of the foundation, who received multiple pints of blood finding out later that she contacted HIV and passed the disease to both of her children through either breast milk or in utero.

“In a desperate moment, a mother started a movement,” the video said. “People say that they care, but actions are what save lives.”

Following the video, brothers of the Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity “strolled” in order to raise the mood and strut their stuff as the start of a ‘date’ auction.

ALS sisters and members of Pace’s fraternities were auctioned off, starting bidding at one dollar. Half of the proceeds from the auction and fees collected at the door will be donated to Elizabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation and to Kevin’s Christmas Family Adoption, the sorority’s philanthropies. The bids were raised to 30 and 40 dollars collecting almost $1,000.

“We raise money for AIDS because we want to make a change. Last year we raised almost $1,000 and we are hoping to continue that tradition by raising more and more each year at our annual event.”

In addition to the donations made to the AIDS foundation, the sisters of ALS are proud to donate to Kevin’s Christmas, an initiative created by Jennifer Rodriguez, an ALS alumna, whose brother passed away. The program was created to celebrate his favorite holiday, Christmas.