At just 11 years old, Audrey Soape has experienced more than most adults. After her father and grandfather both passed away in 2021, Audrey was set to attend the Father-Daughter dance at church by herself. But thankfully, her mother Holly stepped in…
Holly had the fantastic idea of contacting Philadelphia Eagles safety Anthony Harris in order to make Audrey’s daddy-daughter dance more special. Although it was a long shot, Holly felt that she needed to do something to try and brighten up the dance that Audrey had been so excited for. hopefully, Harris would be free to go with Audrey as her date to the dance.
Harris agreed to Audrey’s request because her mother knew that this would be an unforgettable evening for the young girl, who is a die-hard football fan.
She stated, “It’s kind of far-fetched…it’s a big ask. I just asked if he would come if he’d be willing to come. And he said, ‘not only will I come, I want to make sure she feels like a princess.’”
When Audrey discovered what her mother had done and that even her football idol agreed, she was conflicted. She stated, “I heard about it about a week before the dance. And at first, I was really nervous. I was kind of worried all week that I was going to mess up dancing.”
Harris went above and beyond for Audrey, not just flying in for the dance but also footing the bill for her dress, shoes, hair, and makeup.
Holly explained, “He had a car with a driver, come to the house and pick her up. He really wanted to make sure she had the best possible time.”
In addition, he also made time to meet her brother Jackson. He stated, “It made me feel really happy and feel special because he didn’t only come over just to go to the ‘Daddy-Daughter Dance’ with Audrey, he came over to see me, too.”
Audrey told her local CBS affiliate that the event was a dream come true for her. She stated, “I was super nervous but I was also super excited. And I was like preparing myself all week because it was going to be fun, but I was super nervous. I didn’t know what to say.”
The evening was, of course, not truly complete without photos and videos – all captured by a professional photographer.
Audrey added, “I was very happy, and I also felt very special because not a lot of stuff happened to people like this, and especially me.”
Holly continued, “We would all do anything for our kids when we see them suffering. To know that there are people out there who will also help be there for your kids and for you, it’s really encouraging for me, and it’s sort of turned this horrible tragedy into sort of this triumphant moment.”
Holly explained that, six weeks before the father-daughter dance, she contacted Harris’ foundation in hopes of being able to work something out so Audrey could attend. Thankfully, Anthony Harris was available and loved the idea. Holly’s efforts paid off.
