Olivia Simmons
On March 22, 2025, the fifth annual Andrew Bedoya Memorial dance took place at the Memorial Hall here in Dinuba. The dance is held to raise money for the scholarship offered by the Acosta-Bedoya family and the individuals on the board who are helping to run the event. It’s not only to raise money but also to honor the memory of Andrew Bedoya. In 2015, Andrew Bedoya was involved in a car accident that unfortunately took his life. He is remembered as a kind and loving individual who had a profound impact on the people he knew and the community in which he lived. The event is primarily run by Andrew’s parents, Edward Bedoya and Sally Acosta Bedoya.
The fundraiser generates a substantial amount of money through ticket sales, a silent and live auction, as well as sales of food and alcohol. Also being sold at the event were miscellaneous cookie jars filled with homemade cookies. Mrs. Acosta says that this is their “quirk” that stands out in the items being sold. It’s a fun way to make extra money and a cute tradition that continues to be a big hit amongst the people attending the dance. The first year the fundraiser was held, the family managed to raise approximately $20,000. Last year, they raised $42,000. Expectations were high for what this year would bring. The items they had to auction were all beautifully put together, and it was obvious that the event had been thought through with love and care for their son that they were honoring. The two bands that played were Balazzo and Califas, local acts that have performed at the event in past years. They put on a great show and significantly contribute to ticket sales and the number of attendees at the event every year.
This event holds great significance for all those involved. To the Acosta-Bedoya family, it is essential for everyone to know and understand that their son was an exceptional person. His interests and achievements are all highlighted at the event, and it is evident that he was not only extremely loved but also a bright spot in others’ lives as well. When asked what this event means to them, both Mrs. Acosta and Mr. Bedoya had endless praise for their son, the people who helped put everything together, and the attendees. When asked what the dance means to them, both Mrs. Acosta and Mr Bedoya gave emotional answers filled with love towards their son and the cause they’re promoting
“I think that people are coming back and doing this for him, for Andrew..” Mr. Bedoya stated. “The goal is to keep Andrew’s legacy alive for as long as possible by continuing to assist in whatever way we can to the youth and community.” Mrs. Acosta added, “ It means a lot because it’s keeping our son Andrew’s legacy alive.” The foundation runs on the belief of being kind and generous to all and also goes by the slogan, “Live Aloha.” This is because Andrew Bedoya loved Hawaii; it was a very significant part of his life, to the extent that he was often mistaken for being Hawaiian due to the numerous Hawaiian shirts he would wear. His family wanted him to be remembered through all of the things that he loved most. “Live Aloha” is the phrase that they felt represented him.
The money raised from the dance goes into the scholarship put on by the family, as well as the laptops given out to Monson Sultana Students. Both of these things have applied to Dinuba High Students for many years. They plan to extend their offerings to other high schools with time, as the event only continues to grow in size. Mr. Bedoya and Mrs. Acosta are both grateful for the legacy they have been able to shine a light on for their son. The work and dedication they put into the event cannot be understated, it is done from a place of love and admiration. Their work has benefited many students and will continue to do so as the years go on.