Far away though it may seem, AIDS could be as close to home as the person sitting in front of the class. AIDS is an epidemic disease that has claimed over 530,000 lives since 1981 according to the CDC’s Web site.

“People don’t talk about it, and it’s obviously something we should talk about,” said Victoria Treski, a University senior and fundraising intern for AIDS Athens.

The newest fundraising event is a cabaret-variety show by the touring cast of “Rent” held tonight at the Georgia Theatre, followed by a night of partying with DJ Immuzikation from local band Velvetine Pink. The cast will be around to hang out with attendees and then perform the next day at the Classic Center.

“Take time out of your day to think about something else,” said Treski. “Getting a B on a test is nothing compared to contracting AIDS.”

AIDS Athens is a local non-profit organization that strives to educate the community about testing and prevention, she said. They offer free, anonymous tests that require no needles or blood.

“It’s really common sense,” Treski said. “Protect yourself.”

The local Ryan White Clinic serves most of AIDS Athens clients, about 300 people in all, Treski said. She said the clinic provides medical services and helps patients with costs such as housing.

Treski said the Athens-based fundraising last year amounted to about $30,000.

Executive Director of AIDS Athens Olivia Long said, “I think it is important to realize that HIV/AIDS knows no boundaries – it affects all races, sexes, ages, ethnicities and social classes.”

She said one goal she has at the clinic is to extend the outreach of testing and prevention services. The clinic needs to be able to reach all of the population, she said.

Long said the cast of “Rent” is an inspiration in their efforts to reach out into every community to which they travel.

“It ties the realness of the play to the realness of disease – it spreads awareness,” she said.