On the surface it seemed like just another party: loud music, plenty of beer and a prevailing care-free attitude.

But a closer look revealed a party with a purpose and a caring attitude -- a consciousness party.

Hundreds of people came to the State College VFW Sunday night in support of music, good times and the Association of Retarded Citizens during the second annual ARC Music Fest 89.

"If not for beer or a band then they would come for the cause," said Chris Downey (junior-psychology), a pleased patron of the music fest.

The six bands that provided the evening's entertainment could easily draw a crowd solely for their music. But it was the charitable aspect which brought together a variety of listeners in an atmosphere paralleling the gaiety and brotherhood of a holiday more than a typical night out.

"It's a really strange mix of people but everyone seems to be having a good time," said Eric Bliss, a member of Delta Phi fraternity, a co-sponsor of the festival.

Perhaps the individuals who enjoyed themselves most are those who volunteered the greatest amount of time -- namely the coordinators, band members and ARC supporters.

"This is the most fun I've ever had doing something for charity," said Peter Sattler, organizer and founder of the ARC music festival. "The ARC is a great organization and they do a lot to take care of people."

Because Sattler has been so closely involved with the project, he has taken great satisfaction in witnessing its growth.

"It's going much better. Delta Phi is one of the reasons," he said. "They sold a lot of tickets and have been doing a lot to help out."

Excluding a $4,000 donation from Swan Technologies, last year's festival raised approximately $2,000. This year's festival raised about $4,000 and Swan will donate money necessary to bring total proceeds to about $6,000.

Like Sattler, many others derive a sense of satisfaction from festival participation.

"We did it last year and I think it's a great thing to do," said Mugs Gallagher, saxophone player for two of the participating bands, the Intrigues and Queen Bee. "We went from years ago to where they (retarded citizens) were put in jails and work houses to where they're coming out and being productive. People are accepting them."

Tim Boyle, assistant administrator for Centre County Mental Health and Mental Retardation, said many people believe the often demeaning stereotypes of retarded citizens to be true. One client in the county, who Boyle said can only communicate by screaming, has encountered resistance from neighbors in accepting him in the community.

"Our clients are people who can live and function in the community. Some people don't realize that," Boyle said.

John Kephart is one such client. Kephart lives at 727 W. College Ave. in one of four ARC-sponsored group homes and works at Weis market on Westerly Parkway, a position he obtained through Skills Employment Service. MHMR provides funding for both ARC and Skills.

Retarded citizens require a number of services in the community, and ARC tries to cover as many of these needs as possible, said Jane Schwab, ARC administrative assistant. ARC provides clients with a number of services which include job and family support, and day and preschool programs.

"If we find another need that's not being covered or not being met, we would try to get that need covered ... we're an advocacy group," Schwab said.

But the wait for services can be long, Boyle said. Depending on the amount of support a family can provide, a retarded person may wait for years before securing residential services -- a program which requires supervision and housing -- and the greatest amount of funding.

Transportation also proves to be a large stumbling block for MHMR, Boyle said. A retarded citizen living in Philipsburg may not be able to gain access to day programs that are offered only in other areas; the area's geography seriously hampers many programs' effectiveness.

But compared to programs for retarded citizen living in larger metropolitan areas, Centre County MHMR and non-profit organizations like ARC, Strawberry Fields and Skills cover retarded persons' needs fairly well.

Fund-raising activities provide a good example of how non-profit agencies and community philanthropism can benefit the handicapped individuals.

Schwab said Swan Technologies, radio station WBHT-B103, and Delta Phi covered all the expenses for the seven-hour music fest.

"All the money that is raised here will stay in Centre County," Schwab said, adding that retarded citizens will benefit from the concert.