Schools
Dads & Daughters Dine & Dance
Organizers of Pine Community Center's first annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine's Dance hoped that the night would be a chance for the dads and daughters to make memories that would last a lifetime.
It had all the makings of a special night—music, yummy food and even red carpet leading to a room covered in heart-themed decor. Party shoes, fancy dresses, suit coats and ties were the standard. Smiles were spotted on the faces of most of those present.
And for a bunch of little girls, Pine Community Center's first annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine's Dance was a special Valentine's treat with the main men in their lives.
According to organizers, the event was a hit.
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"The tickets sold out in only a couple weeks!" Alicia Bercury, fitness coordinator at the community center said enthusiastically.
"It was very successful," Community Center Director Joni Patsko said in between admiring the littlest attendees, "Oh look at those little girls, they're adorable!"
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Twenty-five girls between the ages of 4 and 9, along with their dads (of all ages) kicked off the event at 6 p.m. Friday. And for more than two hours, the pairs (and in some cases trios) spent the night enjoying quality time together.
"It's a great opportunity for my daughter and I to spend an evening together for Valentine's Day," Chris Bartos said, looking over at his daughter Sydney, 6.
Victoria Roccia, 4, who was at the event with her dad and older sister, said she was most excited about, "the dancing!"
According to her dad, Wayne Roccia, Victoria hoped the DJ would play Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" because it holds special meaning for them.
"She's my brown eyed girl," he said.
Older sister Olivia, 6, who like Victoria was sporting a grown-up updo, confirmed that the girls spent the day at the salon getting ready for the night. Then she gave her mom a little recognition: "She's taking the boys out tonight."
First on the night's agenda was a buffet dinner of kid (and dad) favorites like macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and fruit—all donated by Giant Eagle Market District. After polite dinner conversation with those at their tables and a smiley cookie from Eat 'N Park, the dads and daughters got their grooves on—dancing the night away to kid-friendly hits.
By the end of it all, after the food was eaten and the dancing was done, the greatest treat for these dads and daughters was clear.
"Just being here with my dad for Valentine's Day," McKenna Bush, 6, said.
Daniel Milliron (dad to six-year-old Marissa) agreed: "Being here with my daughter is very special."
