Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta Unites Osborne Community in Support of the American Heart Association
Around 1,000 attendees including 70 vendors help raise funds for heart health initiatives
Community Comes Together for a Cause
Around 1,000 students, families, alumni, and community members gathered at Osborne High School for the annual Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta, a community celebration designed to raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. Schools across the Osborne cluster participate in friendly competition, raising funds throughout the year, with the top contributor earning the coveted “Cardinal Cup,” a traveling trophy symbolizing the cluster’s shared commitment to service and community impact. The event was coordinated through Osborne High School’s Family and Community Engagement Center under the leadership of Heidi Leonard, supported by a team of teacher leaders, students, administrators, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes for months to bring the vision to life. With fundraising still underway, the Osborne cluster is expected to raise more than $45,000, and this year’s event also carried special meaning as the community honored the memory of longtime Osborne educator Annette Hansard, whose 53 years of service helped shape generations of Cardinal students.
A Growing Community Tradition
Building on last year’s inaugural event, the Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta expanded significantly in both scale and excitement, evolving from a proof-of-concept gathering into a full campus festival featuring a 3-on-3 soccer tournament, alumni-supported car show, food trucks, vendors, and hands-on public safety demonstrations. “This is a great way for our schools to come together in a friendly manner and raise awareness of a worthy cause,” said Osborne High School Principal Dr. Troy Jones. “When you see families, alumni, and students working side by side, you realize how powerful a united community can be.” The day also highlighted the strong connection between Osborne and its alumni, with a Mustang crew organized by Tim Barrett (Class of 1983) helping anchor the car show and community members showcasing a variety of classic vehicles. Dr. Jones and event sponsor Tanner Collins of QuickTransfers led the Corvette Club section of the car show, showcasing Osborne school pride with their red and black Corvettes, while student organizations such as Beta Club, Student Government Association, JROTC, and the Cardinal Café volunteered throughout the event to help bring the celebration to life.
Festival for the Entire Community
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a lively festival atmosphere with more than 70 vendors and community partners participating across campus, featuring food trucks, local bakers and crafters, student organizations, community resources, and interactive Touch-A-Truck demonstrations. Osborne’s student-run tax center also provided convenient pickup and drop-off services for community members seeking assistance with tax preparation.
Food options ranged from local favorites such as Chef Smokey and Santiago’s to newcomers like Kai Time and Tom’s Traveling Coffee, alongside returning crowd favorites including Kona Ice, while families explored emergency vehicles and public safety equipment from Metro Ambulance, Cobb Fire Department, Cobb County SWAT, and Cobb Utilities.
Additional highlights included a LifeSouth blood drive, a PTSA community yard sale, and student-led fundraising efforts from groups like the Red Sea of Sound Band, while sponsors including Mundo de Futbol Soccer World, O’Brien Productions, the National Guard, Metro Ambulance, Goodies Galore, and Mama's Got A Side Hustle helped ensure the event remained free and accessible for families across the community.
