A group of girls dance together at 2016’s father/daughter fundraiser.
Dads, uncles and grandfathers are encouraged to mix up their moves on the dance floor. What’s really important, 4 Points Executive Director Alycia Feely said, is for the girls in attendance to just have a good time with their father or father figure.The annual Father Daughter Dance hosted by 4 Points is now older than many of the attendees. Celebrating 10 years of support for the fundraiser and community event, organizers have watched young girls grow up every year.
This year’s dance will be Rob Gilstrap’s seventh with his daughter, who first went with him when she was 5 years old. Even after recently turning 12, she’s still excited to go, Gilstrap said – even if he’s not sure how many more years he’ll be “cool enough” to dance with.
“I thought as she got older that she wouldn’t care about going, but we’re both still looking forward to it,” he said of the event set for Friday, Feb. 10.
Though Gilstrap initially assumed they would only dance for a few songs before heading home, he and his daughter typically end up staying the whole time, he said.
Part of Gilstrap’s initial interest in the event stems from his work. As an employee with the Georgia Department of Justice, he works frequently with children who he said haven’t had the best start in life.
“I see a lot of daughters without their fathers in the picture,” he said. “When you talk about the importance of events like this, that’s part of why we first went: to support the organization.”
4 Points works to provide services, space and counseling to victims and families suffering from domestic violence, coordinating with law enforcement and other local organizations to work for the betterment of Northwest Georgia’s families.
In addition, Gilstrap thought the dance would be a good opportunity to introduce his daughter to how she should be treated when she grows up.
“These girls deserve to be treated well and be shown how to be treated well by the men in their lives,” agreed 4 Points Executive Director Alycia Feely. “This is a good experience for girls to see what it’s like to be treated like a princess.”
Making the dance available to as many people as possible is of the utmost importance for the group, and it’s why the dance has been kept a $5 entry fee since it started, she added.
For those who still struggle to come up with money for tickets, 4 Points has sponsors that purchase tickets to be donated to those in need who want to attend.
“We attract people from all walks of life, so we try to keep it affordable,” said Feely. “Families that may not be able to have a celebration of their own couldn’t participate in the dance otherwise.”
This year’s dance is princess themed, and several live Disney princesses will mingle with the crowd for the chance to meet and take photos with them. Food and refreshments are also included with the $5 ticket price.
While the funds raised typically go into the organization’s general operating fund, Feely said this year the center is aiming to replace its transport van for foster children.
“The one we have now is ancient and could die any time,” Feely said.
Handmade corsages, crafted by Feely and several other organization members over the last several months, will be for sale at the event. Feely said they typically sell out fast, so fathers who want to get one for their daughters should arrive at the start of the dance at 6 p.m. A large silent auction will also be hosted at the same time as the dance, which ends at 9 p.m. The event is being held at The Colonnade in Ringgold.
For more information, visit fourpointsinc.org/events.html.