A “Royal Night” it was at the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Northwest Indiana. The first annual Daddy Daughter Dance began with delicious food and pictures that Saturday night as all the little girls dressed up in their prettiest dresses for the big event as they were escorted by their dads. The dance was an exciting way for families to make new memories in a fun and safe environment.
The South Haven Club is not only an excellent place for kids to participate in many activities and programs, but to also learn some valuable life lessons.The Teen and Tween Advisor at the South Haven Boys and Girls Club, Ann Nelson, explained why they decided to host the event this year.
“We are doing the Daddy Daughter Dance as a fundraiser for our teenagers,” Nelson described, “who are trying to raise money to attend the national Keystone Convention that will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Many parents and children attended the event that night to help raise the money for fellow club members. The dance was a nice, safe haven for families to escape and feel ensured that they will have a blast. The Club Director at the South Haven Boys and Girls Club, Jason Kegebein, reiterated why the South Haven Club is perfect for families.
“The Boys and Girls Club is about enforcing and implementing a positive environment and atmosphere,” Kegebein explained. “What a perfect opportunity to have a daughter and a father here tonight to celebrate their life together and to continue to build memories for a lifetime."
Since the South Haven Club is crucial in keeping a safe and positive community, new members continuously enroll every year. An interesting fact about the club is that it is open to everyone! As Nelson pointed out, the club helps the community by giving everyone an opportunity to know one another.
“Here in South Haven we are a small community. I think it helps the families get to know each other and to help one another out,” Nelson said. “It takes a village to raise a child.”
One member of the South Haven Club proved that it in fact does take a community to raise a child. The Youth of the Year for the South Haven Boys and Girls Club, Kale Nelson, has been a member for 13 years. From his experience he described why he feels he has a big influence on the younger generation.
“When I first started coming here it was kind of just a place where I could be with my friends,” Nelson said. “As I have grown I have found that it is a place where I can be a mentor to the younger kids and hopefully have an effect on their lives.”
Kids look up to their families and community members for support and guidance and the South Haven Club reinforces these great qualities that can now be seen in many of the community members today. Whether a child is seeking a fun place to make new friends or just a safe place to learn, the South Haven Club really is a haven for everyone!
For more information about the South Haven Boys and Girls Club, please visit https://www.bgcgreaternwi.org/clubs/south-haven/.
