The Stanly County Family YMCA held its annual Father/Daughter Dance on Friday, February 13th. The dance is an effort to bring fathers, daughters, grandfathers, granddaughters, uncles, nieces, "adopted" families and friends together for an evening of fun, dancing and refreshments.

Approximately 50 families participated in this year's event. Some fathers/grandfathers brought two or three young ladies with which to spend the evening. The gym floor was crowded with couples dancing to favorites like "My Girl" and "YMCA". Between dances, couples had their pictures taken together as a remembrance. Valentine refreshments were served throughout the evening. Each girl left with a flower of their choice and a bag of goodies.

"At this particularly anxious time in our community, we need opportunities to lift spirits and have a bit of fun. The dance was a perfect dose of much needed medicine. It was a wonderful sight to see dads come in looking somewhat shy and nervous about dancing but then to see them relaxed, smiling and hugging their daughters on the way out! Families today, need an excuse to have fun being together and remembering what is truly important." says Kelley Bigger, Family Services Director.

With the stresses of job loss and restrained budgets, the YMCA is working hard to provide affordable opportunities that lay foundations for strong, healthy relationships. The Father/Daughter Dance is just one of many opportunities the YMCA plans in an effort to build stronger families in our community. For more information on family opportunities, call the Stanly County Family YMCA at 704.982.1916 or visit the website: www.stanlycountyymca.org.