The fifth annual MasquerAIDS Benefit semi-formal will take place at 7 tonight in the Days Inn, 240 S. Pugh St. Bringing together music and casino games, the event aims to raise money for the AIDS Project of Centre and Clinton counties and foster local awareness about the disease.

This year, Rajan Kalra (senior-international business and finance and French) said MasquerAIDS now focuses more on different types of music, not just the previous musical-theatre style songs that were performed, and a lounge atmosphere with casino games and performances occurring simultaneously.

"This is a subject that is hard to be upbeat about. We're not trying to be pretentious and act as though we are experts on HIV/AIDS. We're trying to raise money for a good cause through a good time," Kalra said.

Bringing HIV/AIDS to the forefront of people's minds is also one of Kalra's goals.

"We're not trying to force the issue down people's throats. We want your money to go to a good cause, where it can actually matter. As students on a sexually active campus, we need to get information out there about HIV/AIDS, and bring it to the front of people's minds," he said.

Not only will the MasquerAIDS ticket proceeds go to the project, so will any money raised from the casino games that will be at the event. The games include roulette, Texas Hold 'Em, blackjack, and a few slot machines.

While the gambling is happening, different performers will entertain the attendees with their music. Many of the performers are excited to be working with this cause, and hope to motivate their audience to help the cause.

"I'm happy to give back to this cause and draw attention though lending our voices. We're giving an uplifting, positive message, giving some hope to this disease," said Allison Naughton (senior-public relations) who performs in several numbers.

In Kalra's attempt to appeal to many different types of people, he has chosen to include two guitar players. Kel Elkins (sophomore-aerospace engineering) and Ryan Surmik (senior-electrical engineering) will perform several of the numbers. Although each also performs separately, they also come together for a few duets.

"They're my attempt to keep it real," Kalra said.

Penn State students are not the only performers that will be showcased. Kelsey Lope, a junior at State College Area High School who has worked with Penn State Thespians before, is also lending her voice to this cause. Lope said she feels this is a great honor and opportunity for her, and hopes the audience can see the magnitude of the issue through the attention the show creates.

Other performers hope to make the experience more personal and allow audience members to see that HIV/AIDS is an issue everyone should be concerned with.

"HIV/AIDS relates to everyday life and needs to be treated as such. We're helping a good cause and want to get the message out there," said performer, Brenden Rogers (freshman-theatre).