Good singers, hilarious dance moves and raw talent came together and made for a great and side-splitting show last Friday and Saturday nights in Collins Alumni Auditorium.

The Anteaters’ Ball is far from your typical experience. With styles ranging from Christian hymns and Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” to Spanish songs such as “Looking for Paradise” and a saxophone solo, each performance left the audience in stitches or in awe, excited to see what was coming next.

As if the name Anteaters’ Ball doesn’t give way to the uniqueness of the performance, upon entering the double doors you realize this is a show like no other. A $5 donation was suggested, serving as the entry fee, with proceeds going to help raise awareness and prevent the spread of Malaria in Africa.

The two service clubs partnered with a non-profit organization called Global Health Innovations for this year’s production. This organization designs, implements and manages medical programs focused on providing solutions to save lives one village at a time.

Brad Gautney, president and medical director of Global Health Innovations and an Abilene Christian University graduate, spoke to the crowd during intermission.

“In areas such as Kenya, Malawi and Haiti, where we do the majority of our work, we see so many children and adults dying needlessly from Malaria,” Gautney said. “This disease can not only be prevented, but also cured after someone is infected. We have a heart for these children and their families, and from that stems our hard work to raise awareness and beat this awful disease.”

Right before intermission they showed a video that allowed the audience to connect with these people who are crippled with Malaria and see the difference a small donation can make in their lives. The video shared real facts about how serious and easily spread Malaria is. One child under the age of five dies every 30 seconds in Africa from Malaria, and Malaria kills twice as many as does HIV/AIDS.

“On our website we engage students like crazy,” Gautney said. “We have trips set up over spring break and we are always looking for more students to go on other trips throughout the year. Saving a person’s life can be as simple as paying for your Starbucks [coffee].

“That one coffee you purchase could be enough money to buy a mosquito net for a family of three.”

Muriel Eppling, a freshman art major, went to the show just for the entertainment and later learned about its purpose.

“The Anteaters’ Ball had a great variety of dancing, singing and music, and I like that the guys actually put some hard work in the dances,” Eppling said. “I didn’t know about the cause at first, I just heard it was a lot of fun and all my friends were going so I accompanied them here.

“Hearing about it now, I am so glad I came and can’t wait to go online and learn more about the cause and try to help in any way I can. All the hard work and effort of the people involved paid off in an outstanding way.”

Both shows had a huge turnout, and the production raised a total of $5774, not to mention all the follow up money and help that might come out of the heightened awareness of all who attended.

Claire Smith, a senior social work major who sang a duet during the show, appreciates everyone who helped raise this money for the people of Africa.

“I was asked to sing in the show and nervously accepted,” Smith said. “I love mission work, and if seeing the pictures and videos of the faces of the children doesn’t touch your heart and make you want to give, then I don’t know what could.

“I just want to thank anyone who gave anything to this cause and thank everyone for coming out and supporting it.”

Photo Credit: Whitney Jarreld