Every year the Rotary Club of Sunshine Coast - Sechelt sponsors a dance-party night for girls ages five to 13 and the significant man in their lives: fathers, grandfathers, uncles, other relatives or neighbours.
Over the past 20 years the Dad and Me event has grown into the social event of the year on the Sunshine Coast for many dads and daughters. From an attendance of about 50 people in 1999, the dance has grown to a sold-out capacity crowd of 400 participants in recent years with tickets becoming a hot commodity.
This year, the event will take place in the Chatelech Secondary School gym on Tuesday, May 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. with music videos provided by Much Video Dance, a favourite of the girls and their guests. There will be a barbecue featuring burgers and hot dogs and a terrific assortment of meats, veggies and cheese trays along with non-alcoholic drinks.
Each girl goes home with a special goodie bag hand packed by local Rotarians that is geared to her age group full of gifts donated by merchants in the community. An on-scene photo booth will be available (by donation) and is a memorable way that many people 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. 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 this very popular event.
Tickets are sold in advance (only) and are available from Marketplace IGA in Gibsons and Wilson Creek, and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union in Gibsons and Sechelt beginning April 29. Tickets are not available at the door, as this is typically a sold-out event. “We are always amazed at the demand with some people contacting us six months before the event for tickets!” said Janet Stevens, Rotarian and main organizer for this year’s event. Tickets are $10 for the girls and $15 for the dads.
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.
– Submitted
