CLEVELAND – The Him & Me Father-Daughter Dance, Cleveland’s largest celebration of the bond between fathers and daughters, is returning for its 12th year on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The highly anticipated event, hosted at the newly remodeled Hotel Cleveland downtown, is bringing together over 450 fathers and daughters for an unforgettable evening of connection, joy, and empowerment.
Founded by Latoyia Lewis, the Him & Me Father-Daughter Experience has grown into a hallmark event, designed to foster deeper family relationships through curated activities and special moments. "We’ve seen firsthand the power of these relationships," said Lewis. "When fathers show up for their daughters—whether it’s for one special night or year after year—it leaves a profound impact on their confidence, their self-esteem, and their overall emotional well-being."
The 2024 theme, "A Father’s Promise," will focus on honoring the commitment fathers make to remain present and engaged in their daughters’ lives. From a red-carpet entrance to a live performance by the Warrensville Heights High School Band, the evening is structured to create lasting memories. Attendees will enjoy various interactive stations, including photobooths, balloon art, caricature drawings, and dessert stations offering treats like cotton candy and cupcakes. The event will also feature a three-course dinner tailored for both adult and child palates, followed by a magic show, entertainment, and hours of dancing.
For many fathers, the annual Him & Me Dance represents more than just one evening. Last year’s event drew nearly 400 attendees, and many of them spoke about the deeper connection it fosters. “My favorite part of it is probably the big ‘My Girl’ dance,” said Da'Ron Henderson, who attended the 2023 event with his daughter, Devyn. “It’s important that we take the time to show the people that are closest to us that they are important to us. That one day a year, that one weekend a year, no matter where you are, I am dedicating this block of time solely to my daughter.”
This year's agenda includes pre-dinner activities beginning at 4 p.m., with dinner and entertainment scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The post-dinner experience, which runs until 9 p.m., will feature additional dancing, a bubble artist, and more opportunities for families to interact with vendors and engage in various hands-on activities. One daughter, Kylie Kingwoods, who attended a past event with her father, Jevante, said, “I feel like it brings us even closer than we are now… this is just one of those things where I can say ‘it’s just for me and him.’”
Beyond the dance, the Him & Me experience aims to address father absenteeism and encourage ongoing engagement in the lives of daughters. "We are creating moments that last a lifetime, while also addressing the larger issue of father absenteeism in our community," Lewis said. "The Him & Me experience provides fathers with the tools and encouragement to stay involved in their daughters’ lives." This mission is supported by local businesses and sponsors like the Frazier Family Foundation, which has helped ensure that no father or daughter misses the event due to financial barriers. "We didn’t want finances to be an issue as to why a father could not bring his child or a daughter could not come with her dad," said Tiffany Frazier, co-founder of the foundation.
Although tickets to the 2024 event are in high demand, with some possibly sold out, Lewis and the Him & Me team emphasize that the mission of their organization extends beyond this one night. Through annual dances, global campaigns, and curated father-daughter experiences, the organization works year-round to build strong, lasting relationships that empower young women and strengthen family units. Rhonnetta Robinson, a Him & Me volunteer, emphasized the significance of the experience: "To be able to tell someone about it is one thing, but for them to experience it firsthand and see just the impact it has on the fathers and daughters—it’s something you can’t explain. You just have to witness it and feel it for yourself."
For those unable to attend this year’s event, the spirit of the Him & Me Experience remains alive through the organization’s ongoing work. More information about the event and its broader mission can be found at www.himandmedance.com.
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