(Commerce, Texas, February 10, 2009) – Daughters and their dads, granddads, or even their uncles lined up for an evening of fun Saturday night. The line comprised of girls and their “dates” spilled out from the entrance of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce and continued all along the building. Museum officials estimated that there were at least 350 in attendance.

Dixie Turman Stachowiak and Jalinna Jones were the co-chairs for the event. The two employed almost every service club in Commerce in one way or another.

“There is no way that we could have pulled this event off on such a short timeline had it not been for the gracious contributions of time and money by so many volunteers,” Stachowiak said. “It was awesome watching all of the groups come together for the benefit of so many of our children.”

As couples entered the building, they were interviewed for a video that will be provided at a later time. Girls showed off their new dresses or best cowgirl outfits. Smiles were on every face as they were escorted into the building by their dads, granddads, or uncles.

Once inside the building, the couples were professionally photographed. Every couple received a photo to commemorate their evening out.

Smiles and glittering eyes in both dads and daughters were evident during the slow dances.

Activities for the girls included everything from dancing to pitching basketballs. While some sat for face painting, others made bracelets or wrist corsages. Still others used paint to make hand imprints, decorate cookies, or even decorate the frames for their photographs.

As the dance floor filled with dads and daughters practicing both slow and fast tunes, some volunteers from Commerce High School joined the group. From “YMCA” and the “Hokey Pokey” the dancers showed their “silly” sides. Smiling faces gazed into adoring eyes as the slow dances proceeded.

“The evening was scheduled to be a major fundraiser by the Museum’s Board,” stated Alton Biggs, Vice President. “As I watched the bonding between these girls and their dads, I couldn’t have cared less if we made any money. The beaming faces were priceless.”

The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum serves children who are toddlers through sixth grade. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the Museum welcomes children to imagine, be creative, and build their confidence as they interact with exhibits that range from using math skills to social studies. As a non-profit organization, the Museum is always in need of volunteers and monetary donations.

“YMCA” brought a large group of dancers to the floor.

CONTACT:
Alton L. Biggs, Vice President
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
(903) 886-2240
altonb@ix.netcom.com
http://netxcm.com/visit.asp