Valley community celebrates Valentine's Day
Residents of the Mahoning Valley community celebrated Valentine's Day in a variety of ways, choosing to dance, share breakfast or write cards.
In Stuthers, organizers put together an expressive Valentine's Day activity, inviting participants to take part in a one-versus-one hip-hop dance battle called "Will You Battle Me?"
Dancers from both the Mahoning Valley and surrounding states were invited to freestyle to their song of choice, aiming to bring the community together through "music, movement and creativity" during Valentine's Day.
"We've had people come from Texas, Atlanta, Chicago, Texas - you name it," said Yelisa Cortez, one of the organizers of the event.
The first-prize winner of the dance battle took home $500, while the second-place winner took home $200 and the third-place winner took home $100. Winners were chosen by the audience.
Over in Youngstown, Westside Bowl was the backdrop to "Palentines", a card-making party for Valentine's Day celebrants and a fundraiser for Thrive Mahoning Valley, hosted by Rhinestones Optional.
Card-making supplies and other creative materials were on hand for guests to craft their Valentine's Day message. Additionally, a raffle basket, donated by Queen B's Mobile Cat Care, was featured.
All net proceeds from the event gathered after expenses will be donated to Thrive Mahoning Valley, an organization that aims to help the community through free meal deliveries, used bike donations and outreach programs.
"Palentines is about creating a welcoming space where people can feel connected, creative, safe and included," said Jessica Valsi, founder of Rhinestones Optional.
Valsi continued," We hope this simple gathering helps bring warmth to the community while supporting the important work Thrive Mahoning Valley is doing locally."
Lastly, out in Canfield, a Valentine's Day "Give from the Heart" breakfast was hosted by and aims to benefit Angels for Animals, a shelter based in the city.
Breakfast featured pancake, bacon, eggs, potatoes, pastries and drinks. Additionally, a basket raffle and 50/50 raffle were featured alongside breakfast.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated back to Angels for Animals.
