Preparations are in the works for the 16th Me and My Prince Ball that will be held May 20, 2023, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston.
Michelle Kane, a member of the ball’s committee, said that the team of volunteers are excited to finally move forward with the event after experiencing delays due to COVID-related concerns. She added that one of the first steps in organizing the community event is to seek financial support from the community itself.
“Our sponsors help to keep the price of admission affordable for our guests to attend,” she explained. “We greatly appreciate their support each year.”
The committee, along with United Way of the Blue Mountains, is preparing for more than 700 guests to attend. Christy Lieuallen, executive director of United Way of the Blue Mountains, said that the event will benefit more than those who attend.
“The Me and My Prince Ball is not only a heartwarming and memorable event for dads and daughters, but it will raise funds to benefit United Way’s partner agencies, passionately serving those in need in our community,” she explained.
Contributors can choose from three levels of sponsorship that are tax deductible. Sponsors receive name recognition at the event and on the ball’s reservation webpage, as well as complementary admission. Information is being mailed to many local businesses this week. It is also available on the United Way of the Blue Mountains’ website.
The Me and My Prince Ball is a formal/semi-formal dance for girls of all ages in the community and their fathers/father figures. Kane said that the purpose of the event is to “strengthen healthy father-daughter bonds so that girls will be more likely to become confident and strong individuals.”
This year’s theme is “A Tale as Old as Time,” which is inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
“Reservations will be made online this year,” said Kane. “We are working to get the site ready and will announce when it is up and running. There will be an option available to pay in cash for those who need it.”
For more information about the ball, contact Kane at (541) 564-5985. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Christy Lieuallen, executive director of United Way of the Blue Mountains, at (541) 276-2661.
