AUBURN – The National Kidney Foundation of Maine is throwing a dance to help raise money to support its mission.

But only a certain type of couple is invited: fathers and their daughters.

A kidney dialysis nurse in Lewiston came up with the idea to hold the father-daughter dance in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

It is the first time that the Kidney Foundation of Maine has sponsored such an event.

The agency posted fliers about the Feb. 11 event in local schools, and the response has been incredible, a spokeswoman for the foundation said.

The dance is being held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Given the response so far, the agency has started planning a similar event in Portland next November.

Dionne Entertainment will be playing music at the dance. Snacks will be provided, and a photographer will be available for those interested in having photos taken.

The dance, which will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., costs $35 per couple, plus $5 for each additional daughter. More information may be obtained by calling 1-800-639-7220.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Maine is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, to improve the lives of people affected by those diseases and to increase the availability of all organs for transplants.

The foundation holds frequent free health screenings throughout the state. The next one in Lewiston is scheduled for Feb. 24 at the B Street Health Clinic. The screenings take about 30 minutes and will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon. Anyone interested may call 772-7270 to make an appointment.