Some $500 was raised at the first event in a series of three fundraisers to benefit Urban PEAK, a local homeless shelter.

About 100 University of Denver students and faculty attended the seventh annual DU Charity Ball April 19.

Several members of the Pioneer Leadership Program organized the event.

Sophomore Nicholas Sauer said that the ball tried to raise awareness about homelessness in addition to raising funds.

Sauer said he had hoped for a better turnout at the ball.

The event included refreshments and a DJ played music.

Tickets were $10.

The funds will be used to purchase supplies for the second aspect of the project.

In mid-May the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Denver at Urban Peak will offer counseling and health services for homeless people and others in need with the help of metro Denver physicians.

Qwest Communications and the church are funding a medical van with supplies.

Those in need will receive basic hygiene supplies. Students are urged to volunteer and contact the organizers, Amy Humphries and Sauer, for more information.

Next fall, organizers hope to produce a video on the needs and challenges faced by homeless people.