On February 13, the Health Occupations Students of America Club (HOSA) held its annual Valentine’s American Heart Association (AHA) charity dinner. This dinner was an event to raise money for the American Heart Association. The event featured various game stations, a photo booth, and decorated tables where students could enjoy dinner and socialize.
Before the event’s starting time, students filled up the hallway in an attempt to buy the remaining tickets. As students entered the cafeteria, fellow peers greeted attendees with music, candle-lit tables, flower centerpieces, pink and red tablecloths, and various heart and Valentine’s Day-themed streamers. The event commenced with a live salsa lesson. Salsa, a rhythmic and dynamic dance that originated in Cuba. The attendees were taught all the necessary footwork needed for the dance by a professional, enabling students and staff to refine and enhance their technique.
“The American Heart Association Charity Dinner has been, yet again, a memorable experience for me, with dancing, exciting games, and delicious food,” said junior Mercy Gundavarapu.
After the salsa dance, students continued to play at the various game stations. These included ring toss, sweetheart stacking, a guess-the-kisses memory card game, and matching games. All of the games were Valentine’s themed, and participants received prizes like giant Hershey’s Kisses and candles. In addition to the game prizes, there was a photo booth where attendees could take photos with their peers and Valentine’s.
The AHA dinner featured a variety of foods from several restaurants. Foods ranged from chicken pasta, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, nachos, and burritos. Food was donated by Domino’s Pizza, Bahama Breeze, Gyro King, and many more.
“Our dinner wouldn’t have been possible without the several restaurants and businesses that supported our cause for raising money for the American Heart Association. Thanks to the various donations, we were able to provide everyone with delicious food and ensure that everyone had an enjoyable evening!” said HOSA secretary Pragnyasree Eranki.
This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the HOSA members. Months prior to the event, the board members spent countless hours planning the logistics for the event and creating spreadsheets to facilitate management. Likewise, club members worked diligently to create flyers and posters during their study halls and after school to ensure the event was well advertised throughout the school. In addition, members coordinated with restaurants for donations and donated decorations, prizes, and food to ensure an enjoyable and memorable event for attendees.
“Thanks to HOSA members, our wonderful advisors, and everyone else who came out to support, the AHA dinner was a resounding success. We had over 150 attendees participate in the dinner and salsa dancing, with fun times and memories made all around. We raised over $1000 for the American Heart Association, which wouldn’t have been possible without everyone involved!” said HOSA co-president Mahi Mahitcha.
The AHA charity dinner was a massive success. It not only brought students and staff together to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a holiday for love and friendship, but it also helped promote the American Heart Association. With festive games, amazing food, and energetic music and dance, the AHA HOSA dinner was an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
