Prairie River Camp in Bricelyn, along with several area churches, is bringing the Purity Ball, a nationally recognized event, to our area. The ball will take place in Mankato at the Alltel Civic Center on Saturday, March 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. More than 300 families will be in attendance. The Purity Ball is sweeping the nation and has also gone international. Galaxie Presse, a French company specializing in documentaries, is producing a documentary on the Purity Ball. They have selected this Purity Ball hosted in Mankato as the location for their filming.

The Purity Ball is an elegant, formal dinner and dance designed to give fathers and daughters a unique opportunity to build and strengthen their relationship. Research shows that the most important man in a daughter’s life is her father. Her relationship with her father will be the single greatest influence for her future. The Purity Ball provides a path for fathers to take a leadership role in their daughter’s life. Fathers will pledge to be models of integrity and protectors over their daughters. As a remembrance of this pledge, daughters are presented with a white rose signifying purity. The ball is a chance to build a relationship, and in some cases, help that relationship start over in the right direction. If necessary, grandfathers or other male role models in a position of influence in a young woman’s life are encouraged to attend as a father figure.

The speaker for the evening is Molly Barnhart. Barnhart has been described as up front and captivating. She tackles many of the tough issues facing today’s teenage girls.

The attire for the evening is formal. Fathers are encouraged to wear a suit or sport coat. Girls are encouraged to wear a dress. More than 200 formal dresses have been donated by several area bridal shops. These dresses are available at a Dress Closet to be held at the Albert Lea Vineyard Church in Albert Lea on Feb. 14 and Feb. 16 from noon until 2 pm. A second Dress Closet will be held in North Mankato at the New Creation World Outreach Church on Feb. 21 from noon until 2 pm. The cost of each dress is $15. These dresses are available only to girls attending the ball.

Reservations are required for the Purity Ball. Contact Renae Groskreutz at (507) 327-7047 for more information, or go to www.purityballmn.org.