Elders enjoy a day of games and prizes at HHC’s 3rd Annual Elders Appreciation Day

April 11, 2017

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

The sun was shining and games were aplenty at the Huhugam Heritage Center’s Elders’ Appreciation Day, with over 130 Gila River Indian Community members showing up to take part in the event’s carnival-like atmosphere.

The appreciation day was filled with a variety of games like the beanbag toss, raffle-ticket bingo, and the always-popular chair volleyball. Lunch was provided by Bubba’s BBQ and shaved-ice was also popular as Community elders lined up for the sweet and refreshing treat.

GRIC Departments also showed up to the party with informational booths, games, and prizes.

The departments that participated in the appreciation day were the Caregiver Program Elderly Services, Department of Environmental Quality, GRICUA, the Gila River Fire Department, and the Communications & Public Affairs Office.

Edna Shaw, Record Specialist for the Huhugam Heritage Center, said it was the third time the center has hosted the event and it has doubled in size since last year.

“This one is a lot busier,” said Shaw. “We really had a lot of people step-up and help us run this and I think the elders really had a good time [and] I just hope that it keeps getting bigger and better all the time.”