Seniors Dance The Night Away at Rotary Has Heart Prom

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Sandy Springs, GA -- Valentine’s Day 2016 was a magical evening for over 130 senior adults who attended the Rotary Has Heart for Seniors Prom.

Held at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Complex in Sandy Springs, the Valentine’s Day event was planned by the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs to show that Rotary Has Heart, especially for seniors.

The event was attended by Rotary International District 6900’s District Governor Bob Hagan, who welcomed and met with the guests, and danced throughout the evening. Rotary Club of Sandy Springs’ President Jerry Hicks emceed the night.

“It was a great night for so many and we owe it to all that contributed to making this night special for our seniors,” said Tamara Carrera, a member of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs and the coordinator of the event.

Carrera, who is also the executive director of the Community Assistance Center, remarked the guests told her that it was a “magical evening,” “the best time I have had in 20 years,” “a great time,” “so much fun,” “a very special time for me” and “an awesome party.”

It was truly a community collaboration. Refreshments were contributed by local eateries and food markets such as Emidio’s, 5 Seasons Brewing Company, Hammock’s/Under The Cork Tree, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Zaxby’s, Rock ‘N’ Taco, Breadwinner’s Café & Bakery, Mellow Mushroom, Chick-Fil-A (Northridge), Trader Joe’s (Roswell Road), Whole Foods (Sandy Springs), Food 101, and Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Suites.

Live music was provided throughout the evening by singer Kathy Reed, who during the day serves as executive director of Keep Sandy Springs Beautiful, and by the locally popular band, Yuppie Scum, a rock & roll group led by Rotary Club member and Bank of Sandy Springs President Chris Barnett.

Keepsake photos of the guests were taken and printed by members of the Southeastern Photographic Society of Atlanta. Members of the 2016 class of Youth Leadership Sandy Springs made handmade Valentine’s Day cards for all guest, coordinated by Polly Warren.

Members of the North Atlanta Rotaract Club, a young professional community service group associated with Rotary International, volunteered at the event. Wrist corsages and boutonnieres for all guests were handmade by Kelly Fredrickson of Blue Ribbon Interiors. Staff members of the Community Assistance Center volunteered to help serve dinner distribute corsages and assist in glamorizing the ladies. Candace Apple, owner of the Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore, and a member of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, coordinated all refreshments.

Many volunteers brought their own sweethearts to the event, celebrating Valentine’s Day in a unique and memorable way. There were many special stories, especially that of Sasha and Vera Boguslavskiy, who celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary that night. The Boguslavskiys were crowned King and Queen of the “Rotary Has Heart” Senior Prom.

The evening took on special significance for one guest who was never able to attend her own senior prom. Another 91-year-old guest, who had taught ballroom dancing for years, kicked up her heels on the dance floor to the fabulous music of the Yuppie Scum Band.

“There was so much joy and fun with everyone dancing with our guests, bringing the spirit of community, fun and solidarity to a group that is often forgotten in our celebrations,” Carrera said, who added that “none of this would have happened if we had not had a great venue to have the event in and great partners at the venue to work with.”

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Photos 1 and 2: guests dancing
Photo 3: Bob Hagan, Prom King Sasha Boguslavskiy, Cheryl Lietz, Jerry Hicks, seated Prom Queen Vera Boguslavskiy
Photo 4: Bob Hagan, Tamara Carrera, Jerry Hicks
Photo credits: Rotary Club of Sandy Springs