Tiaras and Ties welcomed record-breaking attendance from 150+ father-daughter pairings on February 7. Here, Brandon Stori is accompanied by his two daughters Baylor & Bostyn.
As daddy-daughter duos entered the St. Clair Commons, a sea of pink tablecloths and heart-shaped decorations welcomed them to the highly anticipated Tiaras and Ties event on February 7. The Class of 2027 hosted the annual fundraiser that highlights the cherished bond between father and daughter. What began as a modest gathering of roughly 40 pre-registered pairings quickly blossomed into a historic success, with a surge of walk-ins bringing the total participation to an all-time high of over 150 people.
The atmosphere was electric, fueled by cotton candy, music, and the radiant smiles of daughters delighted to spend a special evening with their fathers. While the unexpectedly high attendance was a welcome surprise, it did present one ever-so-sweet challenge: a cupcake crisis. Supplies of the treats, along with cotton candy and other refreshments, began to vanish so quickly that organizers had to make an emergency run to restock the dessert table.
“It’s the best kind of problem to have,” noted one event organizer. “To see this much support while watching these families make memories is exactly what we hoped for.”
While the Commons area was the central hub for the event, the evening’s formal festivities began with a Grand March. Olivia McGowan presided as the MC, introducing the daddy-daughter duos to an eager crowd ready to burst from cuteness overload.
The fashion on display was as diverse as the families themselves. Young princesses in elegant gowns and sparkling tiaras marched alongside proud fathers dressed in everything from their Sunday best to more casual attire. Some fathers navigated the stage with multiple daughters in tow, and in one of the night’s most touching moments, a grandfather stepped in to participate in the march, proving that the bond of family knows no bounds.
Personal moments stole the show during the introduction. Many pairs opted for color-coordinated outfits while Nick Rehder drew cheers from the crowd as he gave his daughter, Rosie, a graceful twirl before heading to the photo shoot area.
While the event was largely populated by younger children, the sentiment of the night resonated across generations. High schoolers Keldee Hansen and Olivia McGowan shared heartfelt embraces on stage with their fathers, Travis Hansen and Tony McGowan, respectively—a poignant reminder that you’re never too old for a dance with Dad.
Following the march, the energy shifted to the dance floor. Attendees flocked to the 360-degree selfie booth to capture high-energy videos before heading out to boogie to a mix of Disney hits and modern favorites. Sales of neon bracelets and tiaras remained brisk throughout the night, further contributing to the Class of 2027’s fundraising goals. By the time the final song played, it was clear that Tiaras and Ties had become arguably the most successful and well-attended daddy-daughter event in recent memory.
As the duos headed home—roses in hand and tiaras slightly tilted from an evening of dancing—the lingering sentiment was one of pure, radiant joy.
