This is all about food, fun and fellowship," said Joe Bachman, describing a Sweetheart Dance that will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. at Hellam Fire Company, 163 E. Market St. The event will benefit York Youth Revolution (YYR), a community youth group based in Hellam.

"We'll have live music from The Modern Age," Bachman said. "They've done this event with us for 15 years now. They play country and rock, and the band started in 1966 with original band members James Hough and the late Ron Hoffmaster."

Bachman noted that he especially appreciates the band's donation of its time and talent to the event. "I really want to thank them because they've never asked us for a single penny the entire time they've been playing for us, and because of them, we've been able to use the money we raise to send countless youth on mission trips for a life-changing experience."

The dance will fund YYR's upcoming trip to Puerto Rico in July.

Although the group's first trip out of the continental United States is exciting, it's also expensive, Bachman stated.

"There are 13 youth and adults going, and it costs $23,000," he said. On the trip, the group will directly help people in the community. "We've spent 15 years building structures on our mission trips, and this year, we want to work on building relationships with the people of Puerto Rico," Bachman remarked.

He's hoping for a good turnout for the dance, making the trip more affordable for the participants. Along with music, the Sweetheart Dance will feature themed gift basket giveaways, a giveaway drawing, baked goods for sale and snacks. Everything will be by freewill offering, including admission to the event.

"We want to do something so if someone can't afford to go somewhere for a nice Valentine evening, they can come here for free," Bachman said. "Our hope is that others will give generously and support our mission. We want this to be a community event, and at the same time, it's a fundraiser."

He said he particularly enjoys watching people go from table to table, chatting with friends they haven't seen in a while or making new friends at the dance.

"The band is amazing, and everybody has fun," he said. "People enjoy the fellowship and the music."

Attendance at last year's event was maxed out, and Bachman encourages people to make a reservation even though the event is free. To make a reservation, call 717-252-2539 and leave a message with a name and the number of people attending. People will also be admitted at the door as space allows.