Members of Hastings College’s Peer HIV Education Organization are working hard to promote the Second Annual HIV/AIDS Benefit Concert to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 at the Old Walnut Auditorium, 504 N Elm Street in Grand Island, Neb. The event is a grassroots, joint effort among the tri-city communities to bring aid to and raise awareness for those battling HIV/AIDS in Central Nebraska.

Hastings College senior and singer/songwriter Emily Dunbar, Hastings, Neb., will perform at the event, as well as Grand Island’s singer/songwriter Rev. Scott Taylor and more.

Suggested donation is $5 at the door. Attendees are also encouraged to bring items for the Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) pantry in Kearney, including non-perishable food items, paper goods and personal hygiene items.

The event, sponsored by the Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island, will also benefit the church’s emergency fund that helps NAP clients purchase food, medicine and other necessities. The fund has recently become depleted due to increasing need.

Those who cannot attend the event may still send donations to TUMC at Trinity UMC, 511 Elm Street, Grand Island, NE 68801 and designated “Emergency HIV/AIDS Fund.”

Hastings College PHIVE-O is a group of dedicated Hastings College students who recognize that education is a key component to battling the spread of AIDS and HIV. The group provides education and awareness about the transmission of the virus, prevention of infection, and the importance of early HIV testing through on-campus peer education programs and community presentations. Hastings College PHIVE-O members are certified as HIV/AIDS educators by the American Red Cross.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named 75th Best Value College in the nation and #1 in Nebraska by Forbes.com and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. It was named a 2010 “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and rated a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.