By Ciara Salinas and Jazlyn Baptiste

On April 22, 2026 Adelphi’s Circle K International club hosted their third annual Thirst Gala. This was coordinated by president Hazel Agicha and vice president Tiana Tirbaniesingh. The event included a dinner, speeches, raffle baskets and a performance by Adelphi’s AU Evolution dance team. 

Club president Agicha has always been interested in being part of an organization that seeks to help others. She joined Circle K because of her drive to bring people together through organizations like The Thirst Project which is the largest youth-led water organization seeking to aid countries in need of water. Sponsored in part by Kiwanis, they provide infrastructures like wells to these countries. Circle K’s goal is to raise $25,000 for this cause.

President Hazel Agicha ‘28  and Vice President Tiana Tirbaniesingh ‘27 are driven by their passion to help others, especially those in need.

Photo by Ciara Salinas

Agicha informed the audience about how much water people in the U.S. use on a daily basis compared to those in other countries such as Uganda, El Salvador and India. Most U.S. citizens use 90 gallons a day compared to1 gallon used in these countries. 

First-year health science student Jade Nabavian felt inspired to join Circle K because of its goal to help others. She encourages students to educate themselves about water use. She said,  “I want them to be more aware about the water and where it goes.” 

Jade Nabavian ‘29 believes that it is imperative for students to learn about where their resources go and how it’s being used.

Photo by Ciara Salinas

After the dinner and speech, the AU Evolution dance team performed. Following the dance, gala participants mingled together trying to complete the gala’s find the guest bingo activity. 

Adelphi’s AU Evolution performed for the Thirst Gala of 2026.

Photo by Jazlyn Baptiste

Secretary for the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow Matt Kamper was pleased with the event and its sponsors. He said, “Thirst Gala is an amazing organization.” 

His father Kevin Kamper, who is also actively involved in Kiwanis, believes in the importance of his organization for young people and was excited to see so many students attend. He said, “Kids need Kiwanis.” 

President Agicha hoped to make the Gala motivational for students who feel called to help others in need. She also encouraged those who need service hours and want to attend Circle K conventions to join because of the community formed through one common goal: to help those in need. She said, “I want people to feel inspired and motivated to get up and make a difference. This gala, although it had many parts to it, it’s very satisfying seeing it come all together. One person can make the difference.”