A Night of Love: D.A.D. launches scholarship program with Valentine’s Day soirée

MANSFIELD — Looking for a high-fashion night of elegance this Valentine’s Day? Devoted. Ambitious. Dependable. (D.A.D.) has you covered.

The nonprofit organization will host its inaugural “A Night of Love” Soirée, an event blending the sophistication of a black-tie gala with the energy of a high-fashion party.

The soirée will take place Friday, Feb. 13, from 8 p.m. to midnight at 140 Park Ave. East.

Tickets cost $50 per person or $75 per couple, with proceeds benefiting a new scholarship program.

To purchase tickets contact Vice President Kenyata Singleton kentyse@gmail.com, Secretary Japalyn Bentley Japbentley@yahoo.com or visit the website. The deadline is Feb. 8.

“We’re establishing a cycle of excellence where the love we share today funds the scholars of tomorrow,” said Stephen Page Jr., president of D.A.D.

A night of love and connection

Page said guests can expect a variety of experiences throughout the evening, including gourmet food, live entertainment and an interactive Confession Booth.

The Confession Booth, which will be available throughout the night, offers guests a playful and light-hearted way to participate.

“Guests can visit a private, beautifully decorated space to write anonymous love notes or playful ‘forbidden’ confessions,” Page said. “Later in the evening, a selection of these will be read aloud by our host — with permission — creating a unique and memorable highlight for the night.”

While couples receive special pricing, Page emphasized the event is designed for everyone.

“The Soirée is a celebration of love and community,” he said. “Singles will have just as much fun through the Confession Booth and our entertainment lineup.”

Beyond the festivities, Page said the event highlights the organization’s larger mission.

“It’s more than just a dance — it’s a chance to support a scholarship program while enjoying a night out,” he said.

D.A.D. plans to make the Valentine’s Day Soirée a recurring community event.

“It is our desire to bring the Valentine’s Day Soirée back each year, along with various events, to establish a successful scholarship program,” Page said.

He added every initiative the organization undertakes centers on culture and community.

“Using the celebration of love as the engine for education was our fresh perspective for launching our first scholarship program,” Page said. “We want the community to see their direct impact on the youth, one event at a time.”

He noted while they are still finalizing scholarship requirements and totals, their mission is clear.

“Our goal is to make this Soirée a staple,” he said.

Serving others and creating community

Page said his early career focused on serving Mansfield’s youth, and a recent return to volunteering in his hometown reaffirmed that calling.

“It felt like a divine redirection,” Page said. “Through many conversations with my best friend, Kenyata Singleton, we realized we weren’t just looking for a project — we were looking to fulfill a purpose.”

(Story continues below images. Photos of the D.A.D. logo, mission and Secretary Japalyn Bentley wearing D.A.D. merchandise. Provided by Stephen Page Jr.)

Those reflections led to the founding of D.A.D., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit officially established July 11, 2025.

The D.A.D. team includes Page, Singleton, Bentley, Treasurer Robert Edwards and Volunteer Coordinator Marie Holbrook.

“D.A.D. represents a leap of faith rooted in the desire to build a stronger, more resilient community,” Page said. “It carries forward the legacy of the acronym DrumsAnthemDialog (D.A.D.), first established through my creative partnership with Jerry Lykins.”

The organization’s vision is to strengthen communities by developing devoted, ambitious and dependable leaders through intentional mentorship, outreach and service, as well as elements of hip-hop culture, including lyricism, dance and visual art.

“We create bridges that speak the language of the culture while building pathways to leadership,” Page said. “Hip-hop teaches resilience, creativity, self-expression and discipline — believe it or not.”

Page is a Mansfield native and a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School. He credits his foundation to his parents, Stephen and Angela, along with the support of his wife, Shannon, and their three children, Dazhah, Callee and Zoee.

(Photos of D.A.D. involvement throughout the community. Provided by Stephen Page Jr.)