Dr. Richard Usatine and Amy Cantor, M.P.H., third-year medical student, perform a spectacular duet at A Night of the Arts.
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The Health Science Center’s student-run free clinic program was in the spotlight Friday, Feb. 17, with the sold-out show “A Night of the Arts.” The fundraiser collected more than $3,000 for the student-run clinics program at the Alpha Home and San Antonio Metropolitan Ministry (SAMM) transitional living and learning center.

Students and faculty performed a variety of entertainment pieces, including Indian, Irish and Filipino dancing, and a cappella singing. They also displayed artwork in the auditorium lobby.

The event was so moving that a resident of the Alpha Home expressed her appreciation in a letter: “Not only was [A Night of the Arts] thoughtful and well performed, but it gave me hope to know that there is a life out there worth living,” she wrote. “It made me come alive. It helped me feel worthwhile knowing that there are truly people in this world who care.”

Students serenade the audience with peaceful piano playing and superb singing.

The sentiment was also felt by the program’s faculty adviser Richard Usatine, M.D., professor of family and community medicine. “In all the 20 years that I have worked with wonderful students volunteering in free clinics for the underserved, I have never been part of such an incredible event by an academic community giving with such spirit and generosity.”

“A Night of the Arts” is one of many activities conducted by students and faculty members throughout the year. All members of the Health Science Center community are encouraged to participate in events to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Alpha Home provides spiritually-based substance abuse treatment and support to women and their families to prepare them to become more productive members of society. For more information about the Alpha Home, visit www.alphahome.org.

SAMMinistries is an interfaith ministry with a mission to help the homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering, with dignity and compassion, shelter, housing and services. For more information about SAMMinistries, visit www.samm.org.