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GRIFFIN - The Griffin Moose Lodge ballroom brimmed with guests on Saturday, February 14, as community members from Pike County and beyond gathered for the annual Valentine’s Dance hosted in partnership by the Gr8ter Friends, Inc. and Griffin Moose Lodge #1503.

The evening opened with the National Anthem, followed by a presentation of the American flag by cadets from Georgia Military College. Reverend Jack Landham delivered an invocation. Guests then filled the dance floor, dancing to music by the Night Train Swing Band and vocal performances by Keeley, Kevin, and Tom S.

Emcee Nancy Gresham guided the evening’s program, while DJ Bill Mitchell coordinated a lively mix of swing, waltz, rumba, foxtrot, tango, cha cha cha, and bossa rock. Professional dancers C. Smith and D.J. Duncan of the Dance Centre Ballroom Studio in Macon taught a 30 minute dance lesson and spent the evening dancing with attendees. Dance instructor Herb Sinclair also led several crowd pleasing group dances.

Raffle tickets were sold for two major prizes donated by sponsor Jose Garcia of Global Blue Trading Georgia: a GE 24.7 cu. ft. refrigerator and a leather recliner. The drawing took place on February 28 at noon at the Griffin Moose Lodge. Proceeds benefitted the Gr8ter Friends and Griffin Moose Lodge #1503 and its charitable programs.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the generous sponsors of the Valentine’s Dance—Easy Shop, First National Bank, Global Blue Trading Georgia, Impact Office Interiors, and Moody Daniel Funeral Home—as well as to Bonnie Pfrogner of the Gr8ter Friends, Donna Wiggins of the Moose Lodge, and Carol Berry whose hard work contributed greatly to the event’s success.

“The Gr8ter Friends, Inc.—formerly known as the Friends of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library—is a nonprofit organization serving the eight counties of the Southern Crescent: Pike, Spalding, Meriwether, Coweta, Fayette, Butts, Henry, and Clayton,” said Kim Funte, President of the Gr8ter Friends. “Its mission is to empower and inspire citizens and communities by advocating for equitable access to education, resources, and opportunities.”

“Valentine Dance is one of the fundraisers that supports our work, and we’re happy to see it becoming a fixture in the cultural life of Pike and surrounding counties,” added Bobby Bunn, Vice President of the Gr8ter Friends. “Our other fundraisers include the Molena Bigfoot Fest and the Elkins Creek 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on the second Saturday in November. We are supported by volunteers who help make us a successful organization.”

Founded in 2022, the Gr8ter Friends has funded numerous programs at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library, including Read Across America, Cooking with Kids, Adult DIY, two Teen Programs, Donuts with Dads, National Library Appreciation Week, and Volunteer Appreciation Week. The organization has also purchased books, funded the library’s window mural, and provided support for the annual Summer Program.

Last spring’s Armed Forces Appreciation Dance, another Gr8ter Friends fundraiser, benefited the Hanleiter Veterans Center.

To donate or become a member, please visit www.gr8terfriends.com.