BGM Daddy/Daughter Dance draws 70 couples, raises $2,000

by J.O. Parker

     The seventh annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at BGM Community Schools was a hit.
   The family-friendly event was hosted by the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decision) group and sponsored by the Brooklyn Kiwanias Club.
    “It is great having a local club support our students and families,” noted Neal VanErsvelde, BGM K-12 Guidance Counselor and SADD advisor.
     The event was held on Saturday, May 8 and drew 70 couples who enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, food, fellowship and a live auction.
       “That is a pretty steady number throughout the years,” said VanErsvelde. “One year, we had more than 90 couples.”
        This year the dance raised more than $2,000.
     “The funds raised will go towards supplies, activities and events for the BGM SADD (students against destructive decisions) group,” VanErsvelde said.
     “I am so happy we were able to have this event this year,” noted BGM Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood. “We appreciate this opportunity for our students and it is great to see our older students providing this for our families. It sends such a positive message to our younger students and I hope they remember it and participate in the SADD group when they get older.”

SADD Activities
     VanErsvelde said this year has been a bit challenging for the SADD group to get out and do some of the things they would have liked to have done. 
      “The SADD Leadership group was able to go serve lunch at a homeless shelter in Des Moines,” VanErsvelde said. “This was a memorable and impactful event we were fortunate to participate in. We were the first group to get to volunteer since the beginning of the COVID outbreak. We plan to do this again.”
     VanErsvelde said the SADD group is excited to do some outdoor adventure activities this summer.
     “We are also looking forward to incorporating more service projects next school year,” said VanErsvelde