The Student Government Association unanimously approved a $7,700 appeal from Musical Theatre Society for its 12th annual Emerson Fights AIDS (EFA) week on Tuesday. 

James Kennedy, the planning committee chair for EFA, presented the appeal. He said the $7,700 will be used for a weeklong series of events focused on raising awareness of HIV and AIDS that begins Nov. 11,  and will include sketch comedy, information sessions, and live music.

According to Kennedy, since it was established in 2000, EFA has donated its proceeds to Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS, a non-profit organization that raises funds for people affected by AIDS. Over the last two years, the club raised $10,000. He emphasized that the main goal for this year is to reach out and educate students.   

“The number of HIV [cases] in college students is actually on the rise, so this is a very important issue especially to students and people in this age group,” said Kennedy. “A lot of people think they know what HIV and AIDS are, and what the realities are, and they really don’t.”

Alex Fierro-Clarke, the visual and media arts senator, made the motion to approve the appeal. Class of 2013 President Jenna McPadden spoke in favor of the request for funds.

“What EFA does is fantastic and really comes to the core of what Emerson is all about,” said McPadden. “This is a fantastic organization and I encourage everyone to support [Kennedy’s] hard work.”