FORT POLK, La. -- It was an affair to remember March 20 as fathers and daughters attended a dance just for them, sponsored by the Fort Polk Officers' Spouses' Club as a fund-raiser for the community grants program.
The Warrior Community Center was decorated in hues of pink, turquoise and black with plenty of tulle and flowers for all to see. Guests were treated to a buffet that included chicken strips, sandwiches, vegetables and dessert. The highlight of the buffet was the chocolate fountain that allowed guests to create a delicious, customized treat.
As 275 guests entered the WCC, it was obvious that these Families had put a great deal of thought into the evening. The girls had spent the better part of the day in their mothers' "beauty shop" creating their special look, and these looks varied as much as the ages of the girls themselves.
The fathers, however, were not to be outdone. Whether coming from the field, out of town or just from a day at home, these gentlemen were polished and dashing in their dress uniforms and suits.
There were tiaras, corsages and boutonnieres, and, of course, there was a lot of twirling on the dance floor. An arbor and matching bench were donated for the evening by a local business to create a backdrop for formal pictures.
There were opportunities to win door prizes that had been donated the OSC and local businesses. Guests were excited to win prizes and to see their friends win as well.
To round out the evening, guests were asked to take a box from the centerpieces on the tables and have them filled at the candy buffet. This created "sweet dreams" and memories of the evening's events.
The dance would not have happened were it not for volunteers who gave of their time to create everything from tickets to food to ambience, and their spirit made all guests feel welcomed and special.
Family member Melissa Willis wrote this note of thanks: "I would just like to thank all who put on the dance. My daughter loved it and looked so forward to it! She is the oldest child in our family, only 7, but she's a big help at home. Her 6-year-old brother is autistic, and she also has a 2-year-old brother, so sometimes I worry that she is (not) getting enough time with us. Not only did the dance prove to be a wonderful experience for her and great quality time with her father, but she told me that night that she was surprised by the behavior of the woman at the table when she went to get some food. I asked her what she meant and she said, 'She just acted like she was so happy to see me.' That was a memorable moment for her. I am very thankful to this woman for making the dance even better for my daughter, and to all who helped put it on!"
At the end of the evening, once the last father and daughter left in their carriage, the inaugural Fort Polk Father/Daughter Dance was deemed a success. It raised almost $2,500 that will be dispersed back into the Fort Polk community via the OSC community grants program. Guests and volunteers alike made this event a success.
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