 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
MEMO BLOG | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
DARLENE VINSON
THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
On a rainy February evening, hundreds of fathers and daughters in the David Douglas School District were issued passports to Paris. In its 54th year, the David Douglas Dads Club Father-Daughter Banquet transformed the high school cafeteria into a Parisian night club for the annual event. The pride in the fathers' eyes and joy on daughters' faces were timeless.
As the girls arrived with their dads or other favored adult male in their lives, they were greeted by music of the David Douglas High School String Quartet, and even a mime was on hand performing for the pairs of fathers and daughters. A silhouette artist helped guests create an elegant memento of the evening, and a photographer captured the fathers and daughters dressed in their finest.
The dining area was filled with tables decked out in black and white linens. A single red rose in a white vase was at the center of each table. A buffet dinner reflecting the French theme included chicken cordon bleu, French potato and green bean salad, Caesar salad and French bread. Éclairs were among the many pastries served for dessert. A disc jockey provided background music. Dinner was served by student volunteers.
As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a performance by the DDHS Color Guard and a fashion show by the DDHS fashion design class. To finish things off, tables were pushed back, the stage was cleared, the DJ cranked up the tunes and the dancing began.
Carolyn Cannon, a school district occupational therapist, brought her father, Joe Cannon, to the event. “This dance is a nice way to have a special evening with my dad and get to know the district,” she said. The Cannons were seated with Andrea Ginther, a Lincoln Park second-grader, and her dad, Ron Ginther. The Ginthers attended the dance during Andrea's kindergarten year as well.
The David Douglas Dads Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of parents, grandparents, district employees and student volunteers. Started by male administrators when the high school was new and was intended as a way to support and enhance David Douglas High School athletics and its special funding needs. No longer limited to dads or athletics, the group is parent-led and opens itself to all area adults interested in supporting the district. Its mission now is to support the entire school community through events like this banquet, selling fireworks, and providing barbeques for cruise-ins, sporting events and a an annual mother-son event in the fall. The Dads Club collects Christmas trees for recycling as its major fundraiser.
Event Coordinator Heather Robinson pointed out the group makes no profit on the banquet. Their goal is to bring families and the community together and to create lasting memories. Robinson also stressed that the club could use more volunteers. If you would like to join the Dads Club or are interested in volunteering for events, contact Robinson at 503-290-8685, or e-mail her at: heatherlynnrobinson@gmail.com. They meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the high school, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave., in the south building faculty lunchroom.
 |
 |
 |
| Gilbert Heights 4th-grader Abby Alvarez's delight in having her dad, Gilbert, all to herself at the 54th Annual David Douglas Dad's Club Father-Daughter Banquet last month is apparent. The DD Dad's Club is a nonprofit organization comprised of parents, grandparents, students and employees of the district who volunteer their time in support of students, teachers and coaches. They meet at the high school, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave., on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. |
At 78, Joe Cannon may have been the oldest (and funniest) dad at the annual David Douglas Dad's Club Father-Daughter Banquet. He enjoys a Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner with daughter Carolyn Cannon. The school cafeteria was decorated as a Parisian nightclub to reflect the theme for the event: Passport to Paris. Carolyn Cannon is an occupational therapist with the school district. | |
|
||
 |
 |
|
| As they arrive at the 54th Annual Father-Daughter Dance held last month at David Douglas High School, Dad's Club volunteer parent Alan Melton, left, gives Floyd Light Middle School 7th- grader Courtney Clay and her dad Duwayne the night's itinerary. | Adding class to the event, the David Douglas High School string quartet greeted fathers and daughters as they arrived at the annual Dad's Club Father-Daughter Banquet last month. The music of, from left, Cameron May, Leana Mikhaylov, Daniel Cheeks, and Tenya Zlatova evoked images of Parisian sidewalks in keeping with the Passport to Paris theme for the evening. The DDDC raises money by selling fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations, recycling Christmas trees and serving up barbecue at cruise-ins and sporting events in support of events like this one. | |
|
||
 |
 |
|
| Coordinators of the David Douglas Dad's Club annual Father-Daughter Banquet make sure there is something for everyone at their events. Gilbert Heights Elementary student Kyra Pitts, attending with her dad, Richard, are busy at the crafts table creating keepsakes from this special night. To get involved in the David Douglas Dad's Club, contact Heather Robinson at 503-290-8685. |
Heidi White helps 10-year-old Gilbert Heights Elementary student Kyra Pitts create a silhouette as a memento of her evening with her father at the annual David Douglas Dad's Club Father Daughter Banquet. After having her image traced on white paper, Kyra cut it out and mounted it on a sheet of black paper, ready for framing. |
|
|
||
 |
|
Nicole Trofitter, from left, Gilbert Heights Elementary School 4th-grader celebrates with her dad, James Trofitter, and Alice Ott Middle School 7th-grader Mikki Walden at the 54th Annual David Douglas Dad's Club Father Daughter Banquet. The evening concluded with fathers and daughters dancing the night away. The Club also hosts a Mother-Son Banquet in the fall. |
| MEMO PHOTOS: TIM CURRAN |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
MEMO Advertising | MEMO Archives | MEMO Web Neighbors | MEMO Staff | Home