Weekend Update: PAC’s Take A Stand Week

The Pediatric AIDS Coalition is known around campus for many things: its signature yellow highlighter t-shirts and being one of UCLA’s well-known and cheekily nicknamed “campus cults,” to name two. But, arguably, the thing that the Pediatric AIDS Coalition (lovingly nicknamed PAC) is most well known for is their 26-hour long fundraiser event: Dance Marathon. 

@pac_ucla

Unfortunately, the pandemic threw a slight curveball into PAC’s 2021 Dance Marathon plans. But in no way did that stop the campus coalition from continuing to fight for the cause. This year, they pulled off not just 26 hours of fundraising fun but a whole week. The week in question? Take A Stand Week. 

@pac_ucla

Take A Stand Week was a week filled with fundraising, informative events, competitions, and (of course) dancing. PAC’s many teams pulled off a curated and well-coordinated selection of online-based events for the entire community to enjoy. From Jeopardy night, to up-and-coming bands like Almost Monday speaking on the issues of HIV/AIDS during a Q and A session, to amazing speakers such as activist/artist Tiko Kerr, the opportunities to learn about the cause were numerous. 

Performer at Virtual Dance Marathon: @yeslorelei

The week ended with a bang with PAC’s second-ever virtual Dance Marathon. And though it may not have been the 26 hour Pauley Pavilion experience that many have grown to love, the spirit of the event still lived on. And seeing that the student org was able to raise over $100,000 (and counting), PAC proved without a shadow of a doubt that they don’t need Pauley to show up for the cause and pull off a fantastic event. 

@pac_ucla

PAC’s Virtual Dance Marathon: Color Wars Intro Video

Being a PAC member myself, the pride I felt this weekend was immeasurable. And though I have yet to experience one of those magical 26-hour marathons in Pauley, I hope to be able to do so next year. In the meantime, I am just happy to do what I can for the cause and be a part of an organization that can pull off a meaningful week.

-Ali Wood