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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

It was a time for bonding and fun at the second annual Father/Daughter Dance Banquet.

“My dad inspired me because he always treated me and my sisters like his princess,” organizer Shavonne Baker said. “He has always done things for us to show us how a man is supposed to treat a woman.”

She said this is something that she wants to pass on to her daughters, “and not just my children but all the little girls.”

This year’s theme was “An Evening in Paris.”

Interest in the event grew this year with more than 45 fathers bringing their daughters to the dance.

“It just inspired me so much,” Baker said.

The event is hosted at E.M. Henry Community Center. The event featured dancing, dinner, a tribute to dad by Velma Tinsley and an inspiration to dad by Marlon Harton.

“I really enjoyed seeing those babies looking up at their dads’ faces,” Baker said.

Each father and daughter were recognized.

A number of volunteers from the West End Neighborhood Watch, including Jackie Baker, Geraldine Baker, Harton, Monique Harton, Dwight Swindle, Tinsley, Tina Childres, Jacklyn Baker, Barbra McMillan, Wendlin Lee, Nicole Campbell, Jasmine Wilson and Shane McGee (D.J. Doc) helped to make the event possible.

Tickets for the event for a father and daughter were $20 and $5 for each additional daughter to cover the cost of the event.

Last year, when there were funds left over, Baker hosted a “Not-So-Scary” Halloween party.