|
Sponsors and supporters for the 2017 Fatherhood Walk include
The City of Toledo, McDonalds, Seaway Marketplace, Lucas
County Family and Children First Council, House of Day
Funeral Home, Systems Dynamics Communications, Buckeye
Health Plan, Molina HeathCare, Walmart, Target, and TPS Head
Start. Media sponsors are Buckeye Broadband, Lamar
Advertising, WIMX 95.7 FM, and WTOL.
“We want to draw attention to the significant roles fathers
play in the lives of their children,” said Robinson.
“Research confirms that children do better in every measure
of development when there is a responsible father in their
lives. The Fatherhood Walk is free to the community to show
support of fathers, father figures, & mentors, and to
strengthen families and the community.”
Former Toledo City Councilwoman Theresa M. Gabriel who is
part of an honorary committee for the Fatherhood Walk echoed
Robinson’s comment.
“It’s an absolute necessity that there be a male presence in
the household,” she said.
Brian McCarty and his children Peter and Maura; as well as
Michael Jones and his son Michael Jones, Jr. participated in
the press conference. Both families have been involved with
RESTORE for seven years.
“The walk has been beneficial because of the exposure to
other fathers who have the same challenges,” said Jones.
The Fatherhood Walk draws people from all races, creeds, and
socio-economic backgrounds.
“You see all kinds of people showing up. In addition to
fathers, you’ll see grandparents, uncles, cousins, who all
play a role in the life of a child. The Fatherhood Walk has
become almost like a family reunion,” said McCarty.
Those interested in participating in the walk can register
on-line at RestoreFathers.org or the day of the walk.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. Those interested in
sponsorship opportunities or making a donation, can e-mail
Robinson at restorefathers@aol.com or by calling
419-377-1488. Vendor tables are available for a small
donation.
R.E.S.T.O.R.E., Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization,
was founded in 2006 by Responsible Fatherhood Advocate, Mark
Robinson MSW. Robinson, a social worker by profession,
currently serves on the Ohio Practitioners Network for
Fathers and Families (OPNFF) Board, which is a statewide
collaboration that seeks to advance a fatherhood and family
agenda at the state and local level.
|
