By Mary Owen
Unlike Alice, young girls from all around the Santiam Canyon don’t have to fall down a rabbit hole to enjoy “a very important date” this month.
“The Santiam Canyon Father-Daughter Ball provides fathers and daughters an opportunity to strengthen their relationship,” said Josh Hardage, president of the Stayton Library Foundation, host of the third annual event.
The theme for this year’s event, geared for girls 4-18 and their dads or father figures, is aptly “Wonderland: A Very Important Date.” The dance will be held 5-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Foothills Church in Stayton.
“Every year we do something different,” said Hardage, who has three children, two of them daughters, Jillian, 10, and Sydney, 8. “Last year, we talked to the girls about bullying. They can be the light in someone else’s life instead of bringing them down. And dads can be the light for their daughters, encouraging and uplifting them. They are uniquely made and deserve the best.”
Two years ago, Hardage proposed to the SLF board about holding the dance, an idea he got from an annual fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club in Roseburg, Ore.
“The board thought it was a great idea, and they asked if I would be willing to coordinate it,” said Hardage, who then joined the board, rounded up volunteers, and held the first Santiam Canyon Father-Daughter Ball.
Hardage said the goal is to raise $10,000 for the Stayton Library Foundation.
Hardage hopes the event will encourage dads to have monthly dates with their daughters. He said the ball lets fathers bond with their daughters, setting a good example of what the girls should expect from boys. “Boys should treat them with respect,” he said.
Fathers and daughters will be treated to a “secret” activity at this year’s ball, as well as an informative talk on a subject complementary to the theme, Hardage said.
“Last year’s secret event was a sing-along to Frozen,” he said. “I can’t tell you what this year’s is, but it will be spectacular.”
Hardage appreciates the support of the volunteers, the local businesses and community members who all work to make the ball possible.
Tickets are $15 per person and are available online at www.staytonlibraryfoundation.org. Bring one canned food item and receive a free father-daughter keepsake. All food will be donated to the Stayton Food Bank.
For more information, call 503-769-9656.
