All young girls between 6 and 12 are cordially invited to the second-annual Groovy Girls Dance Party, hosted by Miss Shelby County 2010 Ashlee Stiglich on Feb. 20.

Stiglich has created a special night for girls as her fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. All the proceeds Stiglich raises will be donated to CMN and will go directly to our local Children’s Hospital.

Stiglich is a junior at the University of Montevallo majoring in elementary and special education. The platform she developed is Fun and Fit Kids –– A Fitness Awareness Program. She teaches a free after- school program, open to all students at Elvin Hill Elementary, as well as a program last summer at the YMCA in Pelham.

Stiglich emphasizes eating healthy snacks, exercise and being fit. She stresses that body image is not the important goal, but being healthy — physically, mentally and spiritually.

Stiglich uses a dance party as a fun-filled way to bring awareness to young girls about being fit and the means to become healthy.

“Last year’s party was a blast, a huge success which raised over $500 for CMN. This year I hope to increase that goal by having two parties, instead of one,” Stiglich said. “I have danced for 15 years and love to reach young girls though my love of dance.”

The Groovy Girls’ Dance Party will be held at Tap, Twirl and Dance Studio in Helena, where Stiglich is now a teacher. There will be two parties: one from 5-6:30 p.m. and one from 7-8:30 p.m. Stiglich plans to transform the dance studio into a girls’ party extravaganza with games, dancing, a costume contest, face painting and refreshments. There will even be a “Red Carpet Walk.”

Older girls who would like to assist Stiglich can receive volunteer hours for their high school requirement. Cost to attend the party is $20 and $10 for an additional sister. Registration deadline is Feb. 12. For information, contact Stiglich at ashleedance@hotmail.com or at 821-1750.

Phoebe Robinson can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net