A magical night of warriors and princess in the "Secret Garden"

By Fort Wainwright PAO staff reportApril 8, 2011

Dancing with Daddy
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Military fathers were afforded a fun-filled experience with their daughters April 3rd at the fifth annual Military Father-Daughter Ball. With the assistance of sponsors and volunteers the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska organized the event.

"The ball is a highly anticipated annual event for fathers to spend precious time with their daughters," said Katrina Sczesny, program coordinator. This year\'s sold-out "Secret Garden"-themed gala featured a visit from the Fairy Garden Princess, professional photographers, a fun photo booth and numerous door prizes to help preserve those special memories for the little princesses.

"The annual ball is a special evening made just for dads and their girls and is a great opportunity to strengthen the father-daughter bond," Sczesny said. Fathers are encouraged to bring their daughters of any age and for some families this means one dad with a few daughters as dates for the ball.

More than 400 people attended the gala. Aca,!A"We couldnAca,!a,,ct have made all these little girlsAca,!a,,c dreams come true without the help of our volunteers,Aca,!A? Sczesny said.

"This annual event was a huge success thanks to the Fairbanks community for their generous support."

The ASYMCA of Alaska is a non-profit organization and does not generate revenue through membership fees. In order to support the 30-plus free and low-cost programs and services provided to service members and their families stationed in Alaska. "We rely on the generous support of private and corporate donors," Sczesney said.