For Immediate Release March 7, 2005

For More Information Contact: Joe Stuteville, 317-274-7722 jstutev@iupui.edu

Students Take to Stage to Help Homeless, Poor

INDIANAPOLIS - They're not performing cardiac surgery, yet the talent and effort Indiana University School of Medicine students put into helping the city's homeless and needy touches their hearts.

The curtain will rise for the Evening of the Arts at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 2, at the University Place Conference Center auditorium on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus. The program features students displaying their vocal, instrumental and dance talents. IU School of Medicine faculty, residents and staff will also perform.

Art work and photography produced by the medical students will be on display and sold that evening at a silent auction.

Proceeds from Evening of the Arts will help an estimated 1,000 people served by Wheeler Mission, Genessaret Free Clinic, St. Thomas Clinic and Indianapolis homeless programs.

"Many medical students say they were called to medicine because they want to serve and help others," says Micah Bhatti, who is coordinating the event with fellow students Jim Smith and Joe Frank. "Students who volunteer at homeless clinics have rewarding experience that really puts medicine and service into perspective."

This year marks the 14th consecutive year the med students have staged Evening of the Arts.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and may be purchased at the door. They can be reserved by e-mail at iusmeota@iupui.edu. Additional information about the program can be found at www.iupui.edu/~iusmeota. ###