General Information Archives - Page 2 of 8

Raymore-Peculiar East Middle School: Presence Vs. Presents

By Loren Jones, Chapter Chair at Raymore-Peculiar East Middle School for Father’s Club

Sometimes as a father, it can be challenging to see our value outside of being financial providers. In a digital world that’s constantly vying for our attention, giving ourselves the opportunity to be present in the moment is crucial to how our kids and communities see us. In fact, studies show a direct impact on kids’ self esteem, risk taking, and cognitive thinking.

Throughout almost every studied culture, the three main factors of fatherhood include: Protection, Providing, and Discipline. It’s time to add a 4th: Presence.

I have to admit… it seems unfair that moms seem to be expected to show up for everything. But when dads show up, it’s like the stars aligned for the day. But stop and think about that for a minute. When dad showed up, everything was “perfect”. As fathers, why shouldn’t we want things to be“perfect” more? This just goes to show you that kids prefer our presence not our presents.

Unfortunately, most men don’t make money off of our good looks.

We have to go out into the workforce and provide for our families. And we have to trust that our families will understand that. But the nurturing side of us is equally as important. Being active and attentive has so many positive effects. In addition, being attentive also minimizes the negative things our kids may experience during their adolescent years. This includes substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and trouble with the law amongst other negative behaviors. Our attentiveness adds value to their education and other positive extracurricular activities our kids participate in.

So the next time you think, “Oh, I’ll stay at work another hour and make a little more money”, pause and make sure that’s the right sacrifice. Get involved in your kids’ lives and ask questions about how they’re doing. Get involved with Father’s Club at your school (or start a chapter if there isn’t one!) Seeing just one kid’s face light up because you showed up and gave them a moment of your time is worth every second.

To get involved with a Father’s Club chapter at your school, visit the Chapters page on our website. If there isn’t a chapter currently at your school and you would like to know more about starting a Father’s Club chapter, visit the Contact page and fill out the form with your details and we will be in touch!

January 30, 2025/by Father's Club

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Five Blue Valley Schools, One Family – That’s a wrap on fall sports!

By Charles Dahm, Blue Valley Schools Regional Chair for Father’s Club

All five Blue Valley (BV) School district Father’s Club chapters had a great fall sport season. These chapters supported students and teachers by showing up and making things happen. Fathers were everywhere, actively participating, and had a great time doing it.

Blue Valley Southwest

Blue Valley Southwest Chapter Chairs Dan Paschke and Andrew Kneisler led what must be a PERFECT activity for dads – FIRE, FIRE, FIRE! The BVSW pep rally and bonfire on homecoming week have become a fun tradition with food, games and memorable performances by marching band, dance, and cheer. And what pep rally is complete without a big ol’ fire?! These dads in cooperation with administrators and the Overland Park Fire Department Fire Station 48 (conveniently located on the BVSW Campus) made memories for these students for years to come. Combined with parade support, grilling at home football games, tailgates and plenty of hotdogs flying into the student section, these guys brought it this fall.

Blue Valley Northwest

Blue Valley Northwest is rebuilding their role and rebooting their passion for helping the school, the students, and each other. Along with Principal Vomhof, the new chapter chair Johnny Johnson re-launched the chapter and then launched some food — into the student section – hotdogs, fruit snacks, and best (or worst, I suppose) of all – Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies. The marching band got in on the fun early in the 3^rd quarter. BVNW is set up for success this year with great support from Johnny, Mrs. Vomhof and their amazing Booster Club.

Blue Valley West

Blue Valley West is among the most active chapters in all of Father’s Club. Their leadership with fall football concessions is the fuel that drives their philanthropic spirit. Their fundraising contributes so much to BVW – including scholarships for seniors. This year these guys, led by Kevin Saylan and Dan Viall, supported 9 football games including middle school, freshman, and JV games. Their concessions model also involves local clubs, teams, and organizations to help share in the fun and earn some cash too. Congratulations gentleman on a fall sports season to remember.

Blue Valley North

The Blue Valley North Father’s Club has found a few exciting and novel ways to earn some cash at fall sports – pickles and cotton candy! When you walk into a football game at BVN you’re greeted by Todd Welholter and Chris Whigman … and their inflatable pickles …along with the irresistible smell of freshly made cotton candy. Who knew that giant pickles on a stick and even pickle juice would be such a big hit? Hot days early in the year helped with sales. Even more unexpected is the demand for INFLATABLE pickles. The students begged them to sell those inflatable pickles – so of course they obliged, and the students walked off with one of their own. A few students even got in on the marketing and walked the stands holding inflatable pickles and pickle signs. Nicely done gentlemen.

Blue Valley High School

Blue Valley High School is THE OG when it comes to Father’s Club Chapters. From a few guys on a deck a few years ago to 35 chapters today! Their chapter remains a vibrant and integral part of the fabric at BVH and they showed up in force at fall sports this year. They turned out bigtime to support Homecoming as the bonfire pit bosses, along with supporting the parade. They also lent their grilling expertise to tailgates for football, soccer, volleyball, teacher appreciation, and even orchestra and yearbook! Cory Reinert and Shaun Reid along with their social media guru, Phil Hazel, led the way and the students appreciated it! Follow these guys on Twitter (@BVHSFathers) to be inspired by their focus, values, and sheer output.

To get involved with a Father’s Club chapter at your school, visit the Chapters page on our website.

January 23, 2025/by Father's Club

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Lee’s Summit West Father’s Club Chapter Wins Volunteer of the Year Award

Recognition ceremony at the Lee’s Summit School Board Meeting- Father’s Club members left to right: Roger Weller, Craig Nash, Tim Ginnings, Tyler Thompson, Cartus Rogers, Bill Reinwald

By Tim Ginnings, Chapter Co-Chair at Lee’s Summit West for Father’s Club

In the fall of 2024, the Lee’s Summit West (LSW) High School Father’s Club chapter was recognized by Dr. Kayla Maid, LSW principal, as the school’s 2024-2025 Volunteer of the Year. Dr. Maid highlighted her appreciation for Father’s Club “going above and beyond to be intentional about being in our schools.” She also cited our willingness to help anywhere needed and our “can-do” attitude.

Senior Sunrise Breakfast – flipping pancakes and rocking to tunes

Some highlights from the past few months are below:

The Lee’s Summit West Father’s Club has partnered with the Student Senate to host both a Senior Sunrise and a Senior Sunset event the last two years. Father’s Club provides food, entertainment, and encouragement.
In each of the past three years, the LSW Father’s Club has partnered with Neighborhood Cafe, a local business, to hand out individually wrapped cinnamon rolls for the first Fist Bumps for Food of the year.
The LSW Father’s Club donates time, labor, and resources toward events and projects on the LSW campus. One such project this year was repairing the tables and benches in the outdoor common area.

Cinnamon Roll Fist Bump Day

Repairing Benches in the school’s outdoor common area

January 9, 2025/by Father's Club

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MCA of Kansas City Selects Father’s Club to Benefit from Charity Golf Event

By Mike Davisson, Executive Director/Olathe Regional Director for Father’s Club

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCAKC) represents the most competent, professional, safety-conscious, and cutting-edge mechanical contractors in the nation. Their member firms combine the best project management talent in the industry with the highly skilled and trained workforce of the United Association Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8 & Pipe Fitters Local 533.

Each year, MCAKC selects a Kansas City Area nonprofit to be the sole beneficiary of funds raised from its annual charity golf outing.

Past organizations include:

Giving the Basics, Fight Dirty Foundation, Care Beyond the Boulevard, BoysGrow, Kansas City Free Eye Clinic, Kansas City Rescue Mission, Variety Kansas City, Farmer’s House of Weston, Community Assistance Council, Operation Breakthrough, Down Syndrome of Greater Kansas City, Lake Mary Center, Children’s Center for the Visually Blind, ALS Association of Kansas City, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and Susan G. Komen Foundation of Kansas City.

Since 2007, they’ve raised about $450,000 for area nonprofits.

The Background

After their annual tournament in 2023, I was made aware of MCAKC and their philanthropic efforts by Chris McCall, Olathe East HS Father’s Club dad. Chris was an Associate Member who had played in the tournament on multiple occasions in the past and felt there would be a great partnership opportunity for Father’s Club.

I reached out via email to the Executive Director, Stacy Zerr and Deputy Executive Director, Jacki Conn, to ask for the opportunity to share more about Father’s Club and inquire as to what it would take to be considered as a future beneficiary of the annual golf tournament fundraiser. Conversations began in May of 2024 with questions about Father’s Club and our needs for future funds. With a MCAKC workforce consisting of about 90% men, Father’s Club was a logical option for consideration.

Father’s Club focuses on DAD involvement and Mental Wellness training. These were key contributors to being selected as this year’s beneficiary. I shared a little about Father’s Club and our journey at the MCAKC Annual Board Meeting in August and then was able to be a part of the golf event on October 14^th at Canyon Farms Golf Club in Lenexa, KS.

The Golf Tournament

I knew it was going to be a special day when I heard the tournament sold out in the first 4 days of open registration. I had no idea that it would be run so efficiently, effectively and flawlessly as it was from the moment you drove into the parking lot until after dinner; awards and raffle items were handed out.

Randy Bratton, Mission Cup Coordinator, commented that we now know what Best in Class looks like and what we can aspire to have our golf tournaments look like in the future. Everything was first class from check-in to raffle prizes to the golf tournament and hole contests. It was an absolute joy to be at the Par 3 Hole-in-One Contest and to have Father’s Club leadership interacting with so many quality business owners and workers, vendors and MCAKC members and associates.

The Big Check

On November 13, 2024, MCAKC presented Father’s Club with a check for $61,145.00. This was the largest amount raised at any single golf tournament event to date and helped MCAKC exceed the $500,000 threshold in charitable giving to local nonprofits in just 18 years. Think about that for a moment – Half of a Million dollars raised and donated to local nonprofits in less than 18 years!

Father’s Club was a fantastic charity partner to work with this year and we look forward to our continued work together, especially with mental health. – MCAKC

Congratulations to MCAKC and your wonderful organization for all that you are doing to support local nonprofits. Thank you to Stacy Zerr, Jacki Conn, Jamie Mikelson, Kathleen Livingston and everyone else that made this tournament so successful. Thank you to the Board of Directors and all those involved in choosing Father’s Club to be this year’s charitable recipient.

We are beyond humbled by your generosity and partnership and look forward to furthering our relationship in the future as it relates to our Mental Health & Wellness efforts and creating simple, intentional ways for MCAKC members and associates to be involved in the lives of their KIDS, other DADS and the COMMUNITY with love, humility and resolve.

December 19, 2024/by Father's Club

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Father’s Club Joins with Corporate Partner, Fidelity Bank, to Host Signature Event

By Dan Holdhusen, Grandfather of three graduates and one currently enrolled in Blue Valley High School

A gaggle of Father’s Club dads gathered before the sun rose on a recent Friday morning in the far reaches of Blue Valley High School’s campus. They were preparing to man every entrance to the school to distribute chicken breakfast sandwiches and “high fives” to students who would be arriving for the beginning of another school day on a crisp, fall day. These sorts of eagerly awaited events are pretty common on many campuses across the Kansas City metro that have active Father’s Club chapters, but this event was just a bit more unique.

A New Partnership is Formed

A few months ago, Chris Caton, one of the Father’s Club dads at Blue Valley High School had a novel idea. Chris is a Residential Loan Officer at Fidelity Bank in Overland Park and also happens to be a father with children in the Blue Valley school district. He reached out to the leadership at the Father’s Club with the idea of his employer partnering in funding and participating in a series of “Fist Bump for Food” (FB4F) events at Blue Valley High School during the ’24-’25 school year.

It did not take long for Chris and the leaders of Fidelity Bank and Father’s Club to finalize plans – together with a substantial gift from the bank – to organize its first FB4F event, which occurred on November 8th at Blue Valley High School. After he conceived of the idea, Chris said, “I suggested to my colleagues at Fidelity Bank that partnering with the Father’s Club would be an excellent way to connect with students and staff to get their day off to a great start! They thought it was a great idea and jumped right in!”

Fidelity Bank is a fourth-generation family-owned bank which has its core operation in Wichita, KS, and has a large branch located in Overland Park, KS. The bank has a long history of giving back to the communities in which it serves and partnering with organizations with like missions and values.

“The Fidelity Bank legacy is one of generous community investment, charitable support and volunteerism. Through our actions, we serve as a catalyst for building community spirit and celebrating our cities because our success is unconditionally linked.”

Several of Chris’s colleagues in their Fidelity Bank red shirts participated along with many dads in distributing smiles, high fives, hugs, and hundreds of chicken biscuit sandwiches. “It was great to see so many kids, teachers, and administrators thanking us and expressing their gratitude for a great start to their day,” Chris remarked as the kids moved to their classrooms in advance of bell announcing the start of the school day.

The Fidelity Bank partnership and FB4F Event – both HUGE Successes!

The Blue Valley High School event was a first of its kind – where the Father’s Club partnered with a corporate sponsor to host an event at the school. Mike Davisson, the Father’s Club Executive Director, commented that, “we have many generous corporate sponsors and supporters that have come alongside us, but this marks the first time we have had a corporate partner join us in financially supporting one of our signature FB4F events. It was a win-win-win for Fidelity Bank, Father’s Club, and of course students and staff, and we’d love to see more of these occur. The kids loved it!”

A highlight of the day for the dads and Fidelity Bank partners was a warm greeting and expression of thanks from Dr. Charles Golden, Blue Valley High School’s Principal for hosting the event. Not only did he offer his sincere thanks to the group of hosts, but he made sure he left with his own breakfast biscuit to start his day!

December 12, 2024/by Father's Club

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Ray-Pec Chapters Launch in Just 40 Minutes!

By Joshua McDonald, Ray-Pec Schools Regional Chair for Father’s Club

It was time for Fist Bump Friday! DADS were able to come face-to-face with almost 3,500 students at four Ray-Pec schools in a 40-minute timeframe! DADS were present at two middle schools, the ninth-grade center, and the high school. As I leaned into a mom’s car window in the morning drop-off line at one of the middle schools, I was reminded why we are doing this. I was encouraged that the effort and work to develop and build something new was worth it. I was reminded that our kids NEED this. Our families need this. Our community needs this.

Launching a new region of Father’s Club is not an easy task.

This is especially true when operated exclusively by volunteer DADS. We are pulled in many directions and can, at times, seem to have an overwhelming number of commitments and responsibilities. It can also be difficult to gauge the impact. However, experiences like this are a great reminder of the impact a small act can have on others.

Our mission that morning was simple. Be present. Pass out dum-dum’s, fist bumps, smiles, and encouraging words as students piled into the schools. During drop-off, a mom pulls up and calls me over to the car. As most parents know, the drop-off line needs to be fast and efficient… Keep It MOVING! (This was NOT one of those times. Sorry parents.) As I lean in, I notice “Mom” is in tears simply due to fathers’ proactive choice to engage and be present. We had a short conversation and explained the mission of Father’s Club quickly before saying our goodbyes and attempting to get the drop-off line back in rhythm.

I had felt a bit defeated over that week regarding dad engagement. How do we engage and recruit DADS without a presence? But, how do we create a presence without DADS?! Fortunately, the inaugural chapter chairs at each of the schools have been steady and consistent and surrounding regions of Father’s Club sent DADS over to partner with Ray-Pec DADS at two of the schools.

A simple forty minutes of presence produced multiple stories of impact on students, administration, and parents. Hopefully ”Mom” left that day encouraged knowing that there are fathers being proactive and present. Students who did not wish to be at school had changed their tune. Administrators and staff were immediately requesting more Fist Bump Fridays. Though the number of DADS at the official launch may have been lower than I had previously anticipated, the impact was not.

40 Ounces of Coffee and 500 Fist Bumps

Hopped up on 40 ounces of coffee and 500 fist bumps, I headed to work more excited than I had ever anticipated. The tough times in the trenches is where the foundation is built that supports the impactful times. Even if it is “just one,” it was worth it. As Father’s Club continues to grow in the Ray-Pec region, we are looking forward to adding co-chairs to assist in carrying the load as well as DADS who can simply be present.

Ray-Pec Father’s Club has begun to schedule additional events and even had the opportunity to run the chains at the South Middle v. East Middle football game. Fist Bump Friday will also take place at each school monthly.

For information on upcoming events, sign up at fathersclub.org/join

If you would like more information about schools in your area or wish to speak to someone, you can check out the list of chapters and chapter chair contacts at fathersclub.org/chapters

If you wish to directly connect, feel free to reach out to me at jmcdonald@fathersclub.org

December 5, 2024/by Father's Club

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A Community Comes Together: How Father’s Club and Realtor Amy Sack Transformed a Teacher’s Home and Her Life.

By David Strickland, Board Member for Father’s Club

There’s a lot going on in people’s lives these days, it’s easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed when faced with a challenge too large to handle alone. But every now and then, a story emerges that reminds us of the power of community, compassion, and selflessness. This is one of those stories, and it centers around a beloved teacher, Father’s Club, and a dedicated Realtor^® named Amy Sack. Together, we helped a teacher regain control of her life by transforming her aging home, allowing her to sell it and begin a fresh, new chapter.

The story begins with a teacher who, like so many educators, has spent her life dedicated to her students.

Though she had worked hard to make improvements to her home, as a busy teacher, she was unsure how to tackle the daunting list of remaining projects needed to bring it back to life.

“As a single mom, I take pride in what I am capable of all on my own,” the teacher explained. “Everyone has a breaking point though. I was at mine and almost didn’t even realize it.”

The house had fallen into disrepair, and the teacher was unsure of how to tackle the daunting list of projects needed to bring it back to life. That’s when fate and Father’s Club stepped in. Through an unsolicited conversation, we learned of the teacher’s struggles. Without hesitation, we sprang into action, turning a casual exchange into a full-scale community effort.

“When I was asked about the possibility of them helping out with my house, I didn’t know what to think,” the teacher recalled. “I don’t like to ask for help and have a hard time receiving this kind of attention. I was afraid of being or feeling like a charity case. It was quite the opposite.”

Stepping Up

Once I heard about the teacher’s situation from a mutual friend, I immediately began rallying the troops! Many of our members had never met the teacher, but that didn’t matter. They trusted in the worthiness of the cause, knowing that our help could make a difference in someone’s life.

“When I let David Strickland know that the property was in need of some repairs that would really impact the price we could list the home for, he immediately said, ‘Hold on, let me see what I can do,’” recalled Amy Sack. “I have never seen a community outpouring such as this to assist a teacher in need get her home sold.”

Within hours, Father’s Club had secured financial contributions, materials, and volunteers. Soon, they were at the teacher’s home, ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

The outpouring of the support was a beautiful sight to see.

Front Line Real Estate Services stepped up big time and donated supplies and labor to be sure the job was done correctly. Tyler Lopez said, “This project was such a gift to be a part of! This story reminds me of my mom when I was young and my mom was starting new. God brought our story full circle!”

“Volunteers and members showed up at my house on a Saturday morning,” the teacher said. “Through prayer, hugs, hard work, a wide variety of skill sets, and a whole lot of smiles, the extra projects that I didn’t have the time or resources to tackle on my own disappeared.”

Amy Sack put in tireless hours on all the smaller improvement tasks many times until the early morning hours. She also acted as the General Contractor for the overall project. I’ve never seen a Realtor put in this type of selfless work. Amy transformed the Master bath and made it look brand new! She acted as the designer, the painter, the plumber and the installer.

The transformations were remarkable.

Over the next few weeks, Amy, Father’s Club and other community members donated materials and labor to complete the large interior projects that had been looming over the teacher for so long. The end result was a home that was not only ready for sale but one that shined like a jewel in the market.

“Thanks to the generous help of the Father’s Club, her home sold for significantly more money than it otherwise would have and helped her to begin a wonderful new chapter in her life,” Amy said. “It was a true joy to see the transformation happen and watch what a positive impact that can be made in the life of one person when the community comes together.”

For the teacher, the experience was life-changing.

“This is one of those gifts that you hear or read about but never happens to you,” she reflected. “Well, it happened to me, and my life is forever changed. Father’s Club provided the clean slate to start a new chapter for me and my son. We will be forever grateful for this group of men and their faithful generosity.”

What made this story so powerful wasn’t just the physical transformation of the home. It was the emotional impact on everyone involved. The teacher had been struggling under the weight of maintaining her home, but she was also struggling with the vulnerability of asking for help. Father’s Club didn’t make her feel like a charity case. Instead, they made her feel supported, seen, and loved by her community.

The project left a lasting impact on all those who helped. As Amy put it, “I loved being a part of it and will never forget such a heartwarming experience.”

Community Matters

Father’s Club is built on the principle that community matters, and that helping someone in need doesn’t just change their life—it strengthens the bonds of everyone involved. This teacher’s story is just one of many examples of the good that can come when people step up, offer their time, and give from the heart.

Looking back on the experience, the teacher remains in awe of the kindness she received. “My life is changed because of Amy and Father’s Club,” she said. “We are forever grateful for her and this group of men and their faithful generosity.”

We hope to inspire others with our commitment to making a difference, proving that when people come together, incredible things can happen. For one teacher and her son, it wasn’t just about selling a house. It was about rediscovering hope and starting anew, all thanks to the power of community.

November 26, 2024/by Father's Club

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Plenty to be thankful for this season.

By Jim Bradford, Chapter Co-Chair at Mission Trail Middle School for Father’s Club

As Thanksgiving approaches, it always seems to be the time of year when we take stock, reflect and appreciate everything a little bit more.

It happens every year and we can’t get enough of the love. As soon as the leaves start to fall and the temperatures dip into the 40s on a daily basis, we turn our attention to the holidays, family and reflection. When things come to an end – like a year – you can’t help being reflective.

And being reflective, when it comes to Father’s Club, you can’t help but smile. What we’ve done over the course of the past few years in the KC area is nothing short of amazing. And it’s all about those lives we help enrich.

For that, we are thankful. Thankful for so many things and so many people that make the Father’s Club work all across the KC metro area. Not just at the high school level, but at our middle schools, where several of our new Father’s Club chapters are taking root. It’s not easy getting a foothold in those communities – high school and middle school – but with some great, dedicated dads who are tremendous servant leaders, the success stories are plentiful.

Thank you, staff and administration

Where would we be without the willingness of the staff and administrators who let us in the building? Well, outside looking in, that’s where we’d be. Thank you so much to those principals and administrative assistants that welcomed us with open arms. Thank you to the teachers and counselors who help us engage with the students.

Each of you represents the pulse of the building, you know what’s going on. You can help point us in the right direction. If we don’t know which students need a pat on the back, an extra fist bump or an “way to go, we see you,” then we’re just spinning our wheels. We rely on your help more than you know.

Thank you, students

The thousands of students at the high school and middle schools around the metro are the reason we do what we do. Thank you for your willingness to be seen and maybe more importantly, for your willingness to listen to bad dad jokes and even occasionally act like one or two of them are actually funny.

Getting the opportunity to interact with you makes our hearts sore. Catching a half a smile or a chuckle here or there is music to our ears. If we can reach just one of you at a Fist Bump Friday, it’s more than made our efforts worth it.

Thank you for being you. We know these teen years are tough. Trust us, we’ve been there. We’re just thrilled you’ve allowed us in to be a part of the chaos that is high school and middle school.

Thank you, dads

Last, but certainly not least. The chapter chairs may the tone, but it’s the hundreds and hundreds of dads that step up every day who do the heavy lifting.

There’s always something that comes up and there’s always a dad there to answer the bell. We may not ask a lot of you and you may shrug it off as no big deal, but certainly is to us. Time is one of our most precious commodities and don’t take that for granted.

What else can we say? To all of you? Thank you, thank you, thank you. We don’t say it enough and shouldn’t have to wait until the end of November to say it, either.

Thanks to everyone who allows us to do what we do.

To get involved with a Father’s Club chapter at your school, visit the Chapters page on our website.
If there isn’t a chapter currently at your school and you would like to know more about starting a Father’s Club chapter, visit the Contact page and fill out the form with your details and we will be in touch.

November 21, 2024/by Father's Club

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Our Very Own Communications Platform! – SparkCRM Launch

By Mike Davisson, Executive Director for Father’s Club

On October 24, 2024, Father’s Club officially launched the initial version of our very own communications platform called SparkCRM. This can be accessed from Join – Father’s Club or https://app.sparkcrm.com on a desktop or mobile device. You can also save the URL as a bookmark or to your home screen on your mobile device for easy access.

This platform will allow you to communicate via CHAT with other DADS within your Chapter/School. Additionally, it will be where all upcoming EVENTS will be listed with detailed information including Dates, Times, Locations, Cost, Etc.

If you have already registered via the soft launch with previous communication, then you should be all set!
If you filled out the Join form at some point on the Father’s Club website and did not register with SparkCRM during our soft launch, you will have an account in the new system. (We transferred the database of all registered dads into the new system.) Simply choose Log In Now under Existing Users and click the Forgot Password link. This will allow you to log in and begin using the platform.
If you are signing up for the first time, new DADS will choose the Create New Account button under New User.

LEFT: Event Listing | RIGHT: Chat

If you have any questions about this new application, or recommendations for future enhancements, please contact your Chapter Chair.

As we continue to grow quickly, this communications platform is a necessary part of the equation. We are excited for this platform to allow every chapter to communicate more efficiently and effectively! It’s amazing that we’ve only existed for 8 years and we are already at a level where we need a communications platform to keep things working properly. Let’s go!!!

November 14, 2024/by Father's Club

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Father’s Club Adds Jon Ogren to its Board of Directors

By Dan Holdhusen, Grandfather of three graduates and one currently enrolled in Blue Valley High School

As announced in previously, Father’s Club is proud to announce the election of two dads to its Board of Directors. The previous blog highlighted Dave Strickland, and this one will feature Jon Ogren. Jon and Dave both began serving their terms earlier this summer.

Brief Bio

Jon is a graduate of Colorado State University and began working after college for a financial advisory firm in Denver. While there, Jon met he wife, Gina, who happened to work with the same firm. They moved to Overland Park 25 years ago and have enjoyed living the majority of their married lives in Kansas. Jon and Gina have two children: Austin (a KU graduate who works for Honeywell), and a daughter, Alex, who is currently studying marketing at KU. Both Austin and Alex attended their pre-college scholastic years at Aubry Bend Middle School and Blue Valley Southwest High School.

Why Become Involved with Father’s Club?

Jon’s response to this question is succinct: “America is amazing but becoming less amazing every year. Nearly all could have been and would be impacted positively if we had good dads.” He adds that the civil unrest and looting from a couple of years ago began an ugly cycle that has continued.

“Leadership from dads and the home is critical. Being a dad is not cool, having kids is.” The final punctuation he offers in responding to the ‘why become involved’ question is: “The grassroot level for me is hanging out with other dads and mentors and standing up to today’s world!”

Jon’s involvement with Father’s Club started modestly during the years his kids were in middle and high school, but he could clearly see the advantage and positive impact his involvement had on Austin and Alex – but also on him personally.

Entering a new “season” of life

Now that his kids have graduated and moved on to the next phases of their lives, and Gina’s business is thriving, you would think a dad like Jon might rest on his laurels and build on his past successes and existing business relationships without other distractions. In fact, he is at a time in his professional life that he has been intentional on gaining some margin to expand his involvement in great causes like the Father’s Club.

He explains that he has been blessed with a gift of knowing how to “grow things” or being a catalyst for change, so he is anxious to apply the skills with which he has been blessed and assist Father’s Club to expand its footprint with sustained growth. Instead of becoming complacent and focusing solely on his family and work, he wants to, in his words, “help improve Fatherdom” by volunteering to make a difference in expanding and strengthening the Father’s Club and its mission.

That is one of the reasons that makes Jon an exceptional addition to the Father’s Club Board of Directors.

What specifically would you aspire to do to advance the Mission?

Given Jon’s gifts and training, he would like to assist with building programs to help develop leaders, which is so incredibility important in the bedrock and success of organizations like Father’s Club. With it comes the awesome responsibility of fostering, developing, and nurturing new and existing leaders, and growing leaders at the Regional and Chapter levels and teaching all how to lead with a purpose, and with integrity. Things that do not always come automatically in dads.

An idea Jon plans to espouse is to recruit “veteran” Father’s Club dad/leaders whose kids have completed their secondary education and lend their experience to mentor upcoming dads for leadership. What better resources and talent could be better?!

How does Jon have fun?

On the surface, Jon is amiable and humble. But another Jon lurks inside.

He says that – even in his mid-50s – he loves dressing up and being silly on Halloween. Some of his past costumes include Gene Simmons, Frankenstein, and the Wicked Witch of the West. For this year’s event, he will appear as Hagrid from the Harry Potter series.

No matter the costume, Jon lives life to the fullest, and the Father’s Club is truly fortunate that he has stepped up and offered his “dad” character and talents to serve on the national Board of Directors. This, of course, can also be said about the addition of Dave Strickland to the Board. Both of these leaders will offer insight and intelligence as they serve, which has been built on years of both being exceptional fathers.

November 7, 2024/by Father's Club