Boots & Bling
A frosty night chilled by a biting wind greeted this year’s annual Boots & Bling Daddy/Daughter Dance held on February 17 at the Global Sphere Center in Corinth. At first glance, it was unclear if the shivers coming from the precious little gems escorted by their fathers were due to the wind’s icy fingers or from sheer delight at being part of the night’s festivities hosted by the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce. Chattering teeth quickly gave way to warm smiles and squeals of approval as the excited girls marveled at the worship center turned rustic chic by the efforts of dedicated volunteers and Global Sphere members.
The scores of attending Dads wearing button-down shirts puffed by starch and pride appeared to be every bit as excited as their little dance partners.
Clayton Caley, accompanied by daughters Rilynn, 7, and Jacie, 4, was busy learning the ropes of what all transpires at a Boots & Bling gathering. “We haven’t been to one before,” Clayton said. “But, growing up, I saw my Dad with my sister, and I remember thinking how special it was. I want to help my daughters know how they should be treated and made to feel special in every way,” he said, explaining the personal importance of the night. Rilynn and Jacie chimed in together on their goal of the night’s festivities. “Having a good night with him!”
Robert Nelson noted he is an old hand when it comes to Daddy-Daughter dances as this night’s event made a sixth notch in his western belt. “I want to do my part as a father, making sure my daughter knows she means the world to me,” he said. His daughter, Mackenzie, 10, revealed what she was looking forward to the most from the night ahead. “Getting to dance with my dad,” she said, tipping her star-studded, cowgirl hat with pride.
Hot Yeah!, a D/FW area event and party band, (thehotyeah.com), provided the night’s singing and music that had the boots scooting and the dresses swirling all night long. Adam Stumpf of Argyle expertly twirled his 10-year-old daughter, Sophia, around the dance floor decorated by bales of hay, twinkling lights, and colorful balloons. Stumpf said the glitzy event provided an amazing way to spend time with his daughter. “Anything to make her feel like a princess,” he said.
Danny Baird’s dance card was filled courtesy of daughters Emilia, 4, and Avery, 3. “They love doing anything that has to do with dancing and getting fancy like a princess,” he said, adding how grateful he was for the night’s promise of making special memories with his daughters.
DJ Sam Dickson, the “electric cowboy” in his rhinestone boots, bedazzled shirt, and black sequin jacket, inspired the dads to show off their moves like Jagger. Damon Hurst, representing this year’s Title Sponsor Frost Bank, proved to be a formidable competitor during the Daddy Dance Off as he busted out booted steps that garnered rowdy cheers and approving yeehaws. But it was Chamber Member Tucker Espy who proved to be the crowd favorite as he wormed his way to a Daddy Dance Off victory.
Lake Cities Chamber President Tina Henderson gave Boots & Bling a glowing review. “This dance is my favorite event that the chamber does,” Tina said. “It is a magical night for these girls, and I love seeing their smiles and beautiful dresses.” However, the fairytale backdrop for the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year did not magically appear. It took many hands, donated contributions, and long hours of planning to bring it to realization. “Working with Kim Comeau and her team at Global Sphere Center is an absolute dream. They are always upbeat. Nothing is ever a problem for them, and the food is delicious,” Tina said. “Global Sphere is truly the turn key.”
Tina gratefully acknowledged the night’s success would not have been possible without all the wonderful volunteers and sponsors — CoServ / Global Spheres / Gary Peppers, State Farm / Alpha & Omega / Children’s Lighthouse in Corinth / Epic Nail Bar / Dr. Eric Smith, DDS / Denton Mazda / Thousand Hills Church / Quickship / Swag Angels / Diane Barton, ACN / Matt Friess, State Farm.
Huffines and Quickship provided decorated golf carts to escort the girls and dads to their cars. Lake Dallas FFA provided hay bales for decorations, and Sam’s Club of Lewisville donated baby’s breath for table centerpieces. Diane Barton provided photography. Balloon decorations were provided by Marvelous Mimsey’s Creations
