The Hope Grows Gala, the inaugural fundraiser dance hosted by the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta girlFriends, will take place Feb. 8 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Chastain Horse Park in Buckhead.

The event will be an opportunity for teenagers from different metro Atlanta schools to gather in a fun and safe social setting to benefit a great cause. This year’s theme is “Boots and Bowties” — girls are encouraged to wear boots with their dresses and the boys can sport bowties with their button-downs.

Any metro Atlanta teenager is invited to attend the event, which will be chaperoned by adult leaders and Children’s staff. Atlanta Police officers will be inside and outside the venue to ensure appropriate behavior and safety of all who attend. Tickets are $75 per person and T-shirts are available for $15.

girlFriends is the new high school volunteer organization serving Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The group is solely student run by a high school leadership board, comprising of girls representing high schools all over metro Atlanta. The leadership board was selected based on an application and interview process and students serve yearlong terms.

Adult volunteer advisors and Children’s representatives oversee the girls and help provide leadership training and practical applications.

Information: Kate Myers, (404) 785-7303, email kate.myers@choa.org or visit www.choa.org/bootsandbowties.