By Chevont’e Alexander
Every young girl looks to her father as a role model. Camp Diva recognizes and celebrates this critical role a father plays in a young girl’s life with their annual “Date With Dad Dinner and Dance.” The 5th Annual event is set for Sunday, March 18, 2012, 4 – 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center of India located at 6641 Iron Bridge Parkway, Chester, Virginia.
The goal of the event is not only to foster better communication between fathers and daughters, and provide a place for them to spend some all-important quality time, but also to demonstrate the importance of the father-daughter relationship and show that despite the high rates of father absence in Richmond, there are fathers who are active in their daughters’ lives…and loving it!
Over the first three years of the event, attendance has grown from 20 fathers and daughters to over 300. State Senator Henry L. Marsh III, a supporter of the event, has mentioned that he looked forward to the dance one day filling a large venue like the Richmond Center or Coliseum!
Fathers and daughters in attendance will be treated to pre-dance entertainment by a magician, a live performance by a step team, and line dancing lessons. The event will also include dance contests, the honoring of five fathers from the community as “Real Fathers,” gift bags, souvenir booklets, photos, and more.
In addition, Nationally Syndicated Radio Host Tom Joyner will deliver a special message to the dads and daughters, presented by Miss Community Clovia of 99.3 & 105.7 Kiss FM. Actor and Richmond native Chad L. Coleman, best known for his role on the HBO series “The Wire,” as well as his latest role on the FOX TV series “I Hate My Teenage Daughter,” will serve as a special guest, attending with his daughter, SaCha. State Delegate Joe Morrissey, Richmond City Councilman Chris Hilbert, and Michael A. Wright, Principal of Highland Springs High School in Henrico will all serve as ‘Fill-In Dads,’ serving as a ‘father’ to girls in the community who do not have one. This year’s host is Juan Conde, News Anchor for WRIC TV-8. Mitch Malone, host of the Quiet Storm on 99.3 and 105.7 Kiss FM, will also be on hand to make some special presentations.
Proceeds from the 5th Annual Date with Dad Dinner and Dance benefit the Camp Diva Summer Retreat. Founder/Director Angela Patton comments, “the ‘Date With Dad Dance’ fundraiser helps ensure we can make this camp free, or at least affordable, for girls who can really benefit from the experience but cannot afford it, especially in this economy.”
We often hear about ‘deadbeat dads’ and the absence of fathers in the home, but what about the men who are proud fathers and come out in larger numbers every year to show it? Find out more about this event and ticket information at www.campdiva.org.
