Dozens of girls without fathers had some very special escorts to the Chicago Police Department's second annual 'Daddy Daughter Dance' on Friday night.

The Chicago Police Department sponsored the event at the South Shore Cultural Center after the first-ever dance last spring was a major success.

Fathers and daughters in the community were invited to attend, and police officers stepped in to escort many of the girls without fathers on their big night.

"After last year's event, we had several officers and the young ladies that they escorted, they kept up with one another and it really bridged a gap," said Sgt. Kimberly Woods. "It let the girls know that officers are just people too and we dance, and we dance funny like your dads do."

This year's theme was "All Shades Are Beautiful," and participants enjoyed dancing, refreshments, and even goodie bags from officers and sponsors. 150 girls attended Friday's dance, doubling last year's attendance.

The Chicago Police Department and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives planned the dance to encourage healthy relationships between daughters and their fathers.