HHC hosts Elder Appreciation Day

Velia Moncada
Gila River Indian News

Good times rolled on at the Huhugam Heritage Center (HHC) for Elder Appreciation Day. The festivities began on the morning of April 5, bringing in 160 Community elders across GRIC’s districts and urban communities. Elder Appreciation Day is a celebration outlining the continuous gratitude the HHC has for the Community’s elders.

“Planning this every year, is something that we all like to do. We always make sure they (the elders) have a great time,” said HHC Director, Shirley Jackson. She said the HHC staff wanted a celebratory Mardi Gras theme with carnival-style games this year.

The success of the event was also due to the generous contributions from our Community. Those who excelled in games like ring toss, bowling, and fishing were rewarded with raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, including Pendleton blankets donated by Haskell Osife-Antone Post 51 and Pee-Posh Veterans, as well as jewelry items from the First Nations Warriors society.

A light breakfast and lunch were provided for attendees.

Monica Miguel, a community elder from District 5, expressed her love for Elder Appreciation Day, describing it as a time for everyone to come together, let loose, and feel young again. Similarly, Jaime Enos, an Urban Community elder, shared that she enjoys the event for the opportunity to bond and play with everyone.