Hundreds of Daddies and Daughters Flock to the Moon

Photos by Te’Andrea Hood
Many daddies and daughters danced the night away at the 10th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.

By Te’Andrea Hood
Outlook Writer

The Moon’s parking lot on East Lafayette Street was packed to capacity Feb. 7 as hundreds of little girls were escorted across the street in beautiful dresses holding their fathers’ hands as they prepared to dance the night away.

This year was the 10th Annual Rotary Daddy-Daughter Dance with Capital Regional Medical Center. The proceeds of the dance will go to many Rotary charities to help children across the nation.

“The primary reason we planned this night is to raise money for charity. Not only has this dance been a service to the community, it has turned out to be a community family function,” said Bobby Bacon, treasurer of Rotary Club of Tallahassee Northside. “Almost all ticket-sale proceeds will go to local and international charities that support Rotary International vaccination of Polio.”

The night was filled with exciting fun. DJ John Summers of the Music Machine highlighted the night with dance songs like V.I.C.‘s Wobble,” and DJ Casper ‘s “Cha-Cha Slide.”

Carina Richardson, City Commissioner Curtis Richardson’s daughter, said: “My favorite part of the night was seeing my daddy dance and spending time with my little sister. My dad is the best!”

There were many pink, red and white balloons hanging from the ceiling and extravagant centerpieces that filled every table. Balloon arches served as floor pieces for the daddy-daughter dates to walk through during the event. Professional pictures were also taken on stage and a picture booth was provided to further commemorate the fun night.
Light refreshments were served while entertainment was performed by Young Actor’s Studio Singers. The Rotary Club raffled gift baskets to a daddy and daughter, which included more than $600 dollars in gift cards in a daughter’s basket and more than $250 dollars in a father’s basket.
Prizes were also given to: families who traveled the farthest, which was a family member from Betontville, Ark.; the oldest father attending the event, who was 78 years old; and the youngest daughter at the event, who was three weeks old.

Tallahahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was also in attendance.

“This night is extremely special to me because it’s my first time ever as mayor attending this beautiful event with my first eight-month-old daughter Caroline. I know she won’t remember this night at all, but this picture will be something she will cherish for a lifetime,” he said.
“This dance wasn’t just anything we threw together, it took time and effort,” said Michael Stiles, event and Rotary Club president. “We appreciate our several sponsors, volunteers, the Rotary club members and the Rotary-Rack college and service organizations. We want to keep this event going every first Saturday of February, so that the men can spend time with their daughters – a week before they go out and spend time with their wives.”