Vicki L MorrisonAsk anyone in the vicinity of the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) about the Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance and they will tell you all about it. The annual fundraiser has captured the hearts of military families for many years.
Known by locals as the Daddy Daughter Dance, the event is taking place on February 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s a great time because it’s open to everyone in our Defence Community. It’s a platform for military families to make special connections and lasting memories,” said Jon Chabun, communications and marketing coordinator, Esquimalt MFRC.
The dance is held in the at the Chief and Petty Officer’s Mess, in a room with ocean views. The space is decorated with hearts and all that sparkles. Each girl in attendance is given a long stemmed carnation. Last year 200 people attended the event.
Girls from toddler to teen are dressed in their finest while dads wear everything from suits to cowboy hats.
A DJ plays all the latest hits and according to Chabun, everyone gets a real workout on the dance floor. Light refreshments are served, and there are plenty of beverages to quench the thirst of the dancers.
PSP also partners with the Esquimalt MFRC to provide Diva Pampering and Petite Princess Pampering for the girls prior to the dance.
Tickets cost $25 for fathers and girls are admitted for free. Anyone who purchases an early bird ticket is entered into a draw to win a L.A. Limousine ride to the dance. Families tend to share the prize, giving more than one family the opportunity to arrive in style. Throughout the evening, there are prizes to be won for dads and girls as well.
“We are a military community. Many members are deployed and cannot attend the dance, so we see moms, grandfathers, and friends escort the girls. I think, for me, one of the most memorable moments of past dances was seeing a young boy escort his two sisters because their father was deployed. They captured the essence and spirit of the dance,” said Chabun. “We are a unique community and we celebrate that.”
As with every activity offered by the Esquimalt MFRC, there came a time to assess the event and ask the community if they still found the Sweetheart Dance valuable.
When informally questioning people Esquimalt MFRC staff could find no one who could deny the value of the dance. It brings the community together in all of the best ways. It is a truly special and worthwhile event that supports and uplifts military families.
For more information please visit the Esquimalt MFRC.
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