Many local musicians including Reverend Robert, JB Faires, Jay Ferguson, and The Moondogs will perform in “Rock Out Against Rape” 6:30 p.m. Friday at Mother’s Bar.

Rock Out Against Rape is an annual concert sponsored by the Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service to work toward ending sexual violence.

The evening will include music, a 50/50 raffle drawing and a silent auction. Attendees do not need to be present to win the 50/50 raffle. The winning raffle ticket will be posted on all of SACIS’ social media. Concert attendees must be 21 or older.

This is the third ROAR event that SACIS has held. According to Erin Walters, the executive director of SACIS, the event was very well received in November of last year so she has chosen to do it annually at that time.

“It just seems like the timing is right for this event,” Walters said.

The idea for ROAR started with the musical group the Moondogs. According to Walters, the Moondogs are strong supporters of SACIS and after donating much time and talent to events, Walters came up with the idea of a concert-style event.

“If there’s one thing I love, I love their music,” Walters said.

Walters said that ROAR is an opportunity for SACIS to feature the talents of people who support them while also being able to raise support for SACIS.

“Really it’s just a good opportunity to get out with friends and enjoy some good music all in support of a good cause,” Walters said.

This silent auction this year is the biggest SACIS has had so far. All of the items in the silent auction are donated by local businesses and artists. Walters said that there will be one featured piece donated by Lorelei Sims, a well-known local blacksmith. Items are available for bidding now on the SACIS website and the auction closes at 10 p.m. on November 4.

Jana Roberts, administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator and advocate of SACIS, said her job consists mostly of coordinating the volunteers that help with the event, helping set up for the silent auction and getting the word out to the volunteers in the community through email and Facebook.

Roberts said that she helps with the event by coordinating office interns in the setup of the silent auction as well as hanging fliers around town.

“I think it’s just really nice to see everyone in the community come out to support this cause and support the survivors of sexual violence,” Roberts said. “The bands are always also awesome so I enjoy that part as well.”

Mercury Bowen can be reached at 581-2812 or mjbowen@eiu.edu.