Raymond Father-Daughter Ball to be held on Oct. 18

Posted on October 14, 2025 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Carmen Schwartz, founder of Raymond Handibus Society’s Annual Father-Daughter Ball, said that the event on October 18 will be the last of its kind organized by her hands.

The event, Schwartz said, will take place at 6 p.m. at the Raymond Stake Center located at 2 North 200 West, and is not affiliated with any religious organization.

“After almost 10 years, we must say goodbye to Raymond’s Annual Father-Daughter Ball,” said Schwartz. “As they say, all great things must come to an end, but I will admit, this will not be an easy goodbye. This very difficult decision was made with tears in my eyes and will hurt my heart for quite a while. I am so sad to see it end, but will cherish every memory made with you and your daughters over the years.”

Schwartz founded the event in 2016 and refers to her journey with it as ‘amazing.’

“I have planned and put on this event on my own every year, and as much as I have loved this experience, I am at the point in my life where the stress of this event is a little too much for just me to continue to handle it on my own moving forward,” said Schwartz.

Schwartz is grateful to the many sponsors, volunteers, event participants, and everyone else who came forward and involved themselves in the event to raise money for the Raymond Handibus.

Among the people Schwartz says she owes thanks to is her stepfather, Kirby, a man she considers her ‘inspiration,’ for the event from the beginning of its inception.

“My dad died when I was five years old, and my amazing stepdad came into my life when I was nine years old,” said Schwartz. “He died unexpectedly in 2015, and in his honor, I wanted to give other fathers and daughters a chance to make beautiful memories like I had at those dances. Some of my favourite memories with him as a little girl were the two daddy-daughter dances we went to together. To everyone who bought tickets and came to my event, even one time – Thank you. Thank you for supporting my dream of creating a community event focused on the importance of the father-daughter relationship.”

All proceeds go to the Raymond Handibus Society. Anyone with questions, Schwartz says, can call or text 403-795-9689.

“This event has been amazing for fathers and daughters since 2016 and has grown every year!” said Schwartz. “I am hoping all fathers who have attended in the past and any fathers who are interested this year will come to the event one last time! My wish and challenge to all the fathers for the future is that you keep making memories with your daughters! Our time on this Earth with family is never guaranteed. Take the time. Make memories. Take pictures together. Dance together. Laugh together. Cherish every moment. She’ll grow up fast!”