The Orange Heart Foundation will host its annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, May 13, at Palm Avenue Middle School from 6 to 8 p.m.
This is an event for dads and father figures to spend a memorable evening with their daughter(s). All father figures are welcome, including stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, foster fathers and other significant male role models.
The main objective of the evening is to strengthen the relationship between fathers and daughters. It is meant to inspire fathers and father figures to take a more active role in developing the girls and women in their lives.
"Ultimately, our goal is to raise strong girls and give them a chance to enjoy their own unique night," said Traci Mills Clendenen of the Orange Heart Foundation.
Studies have shown that fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse and are twice as likely to drop out of school. Fathers and positive male influences are the leading factors in children's positive social behavior.
"This is an amazing occasion for girls to make beautiful memories with their dads. You can't imagine the happiness you see in their faces when they walk in," said Clendenen.
"We have brothers that bring their little sisters. It is open to all ages. In the past, there have been almost 150 people attending. It is something that girls look forward to year after year."
The theme will be "To the Moon and Back." There will be music compliments of DJ Los Gorditos, and light refreshments and snacks will be served. The Wasco Rose Queen, Ixtchel Sanchez, will also join.
The Orange Heart Foundation is a nonprofit organization launched in 2015 with the mission to help build a better Wasco. Founders Clendenen, Ruvi Ocampo and Orquidea Ocampo dedicate their time to empowering and improving the quality of life for the residents of Wasco.
"With this festive event, our goal is to bring the community together in celebration with dancing and lots of fun," said Ocampo. "It is so rewarding to see grown men bond and build special moments. We hope that it will change both dad and daughter for a lifetime."
It takes a lot of time and hard work to plan these events.
"It is all worth it when you see the smiles on their faces and [the girls and dads] having a good time. I love seeing people happy," said Clendenen.
"I feel like with event after event, we are building a reputation that we really want to do good for our city," said Ocampo.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online at Eventbrite or Venmo @orangeheartfdn. For more information, call 661-717-5783.
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