Planning under way for father/daughter dance

By Lynn A. Wade

Nevada Daily Mail

Nevada's first father/daughter ball will be held in February. It's a chance for young ladies in the area to experience what it's like to be treated like a princess and to spend quality time with a male role model -- either their father or another male role model with whom they attend the event.

Parks and Recreation Director Dana Redburn said some young ladies don't have strong male role models in their lives and need examples of how being treated well in a social setting looks and feels.

So, the event will be open to fathers and daughters, but young ladies who have no father to bring them to the dance may attend with another role model, for "one magical evening," Redburn said.

Redburn said the committee that's coordinating the effort intends it to be affordable for everyone; a small admission fee will be charged to the fathers or other male role models, who may bring with them as many young ladies, ages 6 months to 21 years, in the role of daughter, as they choose. The mission, a press release noted, is "to offer a fun event that is affordable for all; one that gives little girls a glimpse of a Cinderella-type ball, fostering a feeling of respect and dignity."

Redburn noted that no one should stay away because they feel they don't have the right thing to wear.

"Anything is acceptable in terms of attire," Redburn said. Some will want to wear fancy dresses; others will be more comfortable in jeans. The committee is working to collect "gently used dresses," sizes 4T-youth 16, to donate to girls for the dance. Events will be held between now and the dance at which girls may select a free dress from those donated. Fun events, such as a pajama party at which the girls can learn basic etiquette, discuss personal hygiene and get hair and makeup tips in preparation for the ball also are in the works. To donate dresses, contact Denise Hedges by e-mail at dhedges@cottey.edu, or by phone at (417) 448-4817.

A pie sale to raise money for other costs associated with the event will be held Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., or until all pies are sold, at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center, 200 N. Ash, Nevada..

Father/daughter ball: The backstory

The idea for the father/daughter ball was already in the back of Nevada Parks and Recreation Director Dana Redburn's mind, but a local young lady's urging was the impetus that got plans rolling.

Johnathan Marley, who works at 3M, came to Nevada from Walla Walla, Wash.; and his daughter put a stipulation on the move -- if there were no father/daughter dance, he'd help organize one. So, he got in touch with Redburn, who'd coordinated a similar dance when she worked at the Carthage YMCA.

"I'd actually wanted to do one here," she said; so she and Marley made a presentation to chamber of commerce members; and the committee was formed.

For more information about the dance, call Redburn at (417) 448-5517.