GREENFIELD — Fathers and daughters in Franklin County will take a break from their routines to boogie at the Greenfield Moose Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Every year, I have girls pulling their dads by the hand through the door like they can’t wait,” said Bryan Noga, past president of the Loyal Order of the Moose and chairman of the Father-Daughter Dance. “I think it’s popular because it’s such a great, wholesome thing, and it just gives [fathers and daughters] a chance to spend some time together.”
He noted that not many organizations nearby host father-daughter dances, a tradition he sees as not only a fun night, but a way to foster healthy relationships. According to Noga, the tradition started 11 years ago with the idea of encouraging fathers to be healthy male role models for their daughters.
The dance also follows the same mission behind Mooseheart, the organization’s residential child care facility in Chicago “for children and teens in need, from infancy through high school,” according to the campus’ website. Noga said the facility provides schooling and homes for children from difficult living environments.
“The Moose is all about our children,” Noga stressed. “When I’m working there and we’re putting on an event, I just know that no matter what, we’re taking care of our kids.”
Noga said the organization began in the 1800s to provide financial support for families who lost fathers.
“The Moose started with a mission to take care of the family, and then it grew and got bigger and bigger and bigger,” Noga said. “That’s what keeps me going is the Moose’s core mission of family.”
Tickets for the dance are $10 at the door for fathers, and daughters are admitted for free. Money raised will pay for the dance’s expenses, with any leftover proceeds going toward the organization’s projects like Mooseheart.
Fathers and daughters will not only have the chance to dance on Feb. 7, but also munch on candy and enter a raffle to win backpacks, board games and a secret prize.
Along with Moose volunteers, donations from local businesses like Liberty Tax Service, Gary B. Noga Accounting and Tax Service, the Knights of Columbus in Greenfield and Tim’s Barber Shop make the pre-Valentine’s Day tradition possible.
“I love helping put on the event every year. I put my heart and soul into it, and I’m just so happy to see that so many families like it,” Noga said. “I’m always honored when dads are shaking my hand telling me it was so great and they can’t wait until next year.”