The auction, held in collaboration with the Grenada Heart Foundation, raised crucial funds needed to pay for heart surgery for two year old Devonte Lewis, from Grand Roy, St. John’s, Grenada.

Originally costing US $50,000, the surgery will be done at a cost of $5000US as a result of collaborations between Jacksonville Hospital and Patron of the Hearts Charity in Florida. AMSA set out to raise that amount but by far surpassed it.

According to AMSA president, Robin Camp, “It speaks volumes that we raised that amount of money in three hours, it was pretty incredible and certainly effective.” He commended students from SGU’s School of Veterinary Medicine for their contributions as donations were picked up during classes. This year’s total is an increase from 11,000 EC raised in 2011 which went towards purchasing additional equipment for SGU Pediatric Clinic. In this year’s auction, dates with twenty-one volunteers were auctioned to the highest bidder. The evening’s priciest date was won for a whopping $1170EC!

As part of the organization’s philanthropy and social responsibility to the Grenadian community, SGU AMSA also conducts Health Fairs at least twice per term in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. They also collaborate with the School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine to bring to reality the One Health, One Medicine concept. The two student groups also recently introduced the ‘Med vs. Vet Kickball Tournament’ which benefits the Josh and Friends Charity.

The executive and members of AMSA extend heartfelt thanks to all participants and bidders who made the 2012 Valentines Date Auction the success it was.