The Gala for Girls is set for Friday, May 1, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Crookston Inn. Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese tells us how the event got started. “The Gala for Girls is an event that’s been going on for almost two decades,” said Reese. “It started out as an initiative with the Polk County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Parents Helping Parents group and has, over the years, transitioned to the Polk County Public Health Department in partnership with many of the Parents Helping Parents board members as well as community volunteers.”
Girls in grades K-6, are invited to bring their dad, grandpa, uncle, or adult male role model and register now for this unforgettable evening. The event includes a professional picture, a social and sit-down dinner, a special gift, and an evening of dancing. “The evening is called the Gala for Girls because we are getting together to celebrate girls,” said Reese. “And we’re also celebrating healthy relationships between a girl and their dad, their stepfather, their uncle, their grandpa, whoever they choose to bring to the event.”
Reese added that it is for girls from Crookston and the area. “The event is for girls in grades kindergarten through six. They are welcome to come from any school district from the area,” said Reese. “We have had grandpas from Crookston bring granddaughters from other parts of the state. We typically have girls from all around the area. So it’s really exciting to get together.”
Registration will be open until it is filled and will close on Friday, April 17 at noon. Pre-registration is required, and tickets typically sell out, so register early. “The event is $45 per couple. And then if there’s an additional girl, that would be an additional $20 for each girl. So, for example, if there were a dad and two girls, it would be $45 plus the $20 for the additional girl. So we want to keep it affordable,” said Reese. “And that being said, if there are concerns about the price of the ticket, we don’t want that to deter people from participating. So we are happy to visit with people to make arrangements. And we have had students get sponsored in the past. So we can certainly explore options if that is needed as well.”
Registration forms are at Polk County Public Health, 816 Marin Ave, Crookston, MN (218-281-3385), and at the bottom of this page. “The registration is opening, and we typically sell out. So want to just remind folks to get their tickets,” said Reese. “They can get them at Polk County Public Health in Crookston. We’re located on the south side of the Justice Center across from Ampride and American Crystal Sugar. The girls in grades K through six at area schools will be getting a registration flyer sent home with them, too.”
The Gala for Girls will be on Friday, May 1, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Crookston Inn. Make sure to register early, as the event usually sells out fast.
