Every year the Rotary Club of the Sunshine Coast - Sechelt sponsors a party dance night for girls ages five to 13 and the significant men in their lives: fathers, grandfathers, other relatives or neighbours.
Over the past 15 years the Dad and Me event has grown into the social event of the year on the Sunshine Coast. From an attendance of about 50 in 1999, the dance has grown to a capacity crowd of 400 participants in recent years.
The event takes place in the Chatelech Secondary School gym with tunes provided by Much Music, a favourite of the girls and their escorts. There’s a barbecue featuring burgers and hot dogs and a terrific assortment of meats, veggies and cheese trays.
Each girl goes home with a special goodie bag geared to her age group full of gifts donated by merchants in the community. An on-scene photo booth is a fun way to mark the occasion.
The emphasis is on fun and a special time with Dad. Some girls take advantage of the occasion to wear a special outfit. And over the years, more than one dad has sported a tuxedo. We know the planning starts early in some homes. Every year we hear of girls who get their Dad and Me dress as a Christmas present. Early in the year, Rotarians are regularly quizzed about the date of the event. Pity the poor dad who’s out of town for the dance!
Tickets are sold in advance and are available from IGA in Gibsons and Wilson Creek, and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union in Gibsons and Sechelt.
The Rotary Club of Sunshine Coast - Sechelt is especially appreciative of the generosity of local merchants. Without their assistance, this event would not be possible.
Proceeds from the Dad and Me Dance go to fund community projects and to assist the Rotary effort to eradicate polio. For more information, see Rotary.org or www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastSecheltRotary
