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

The Mission of the Father’s Club is expressed no better than by a group of hard-core dads at Blue Valley West (BVW) High School in Overland Park. BVW has had an incredible and active group of fathers that have been engaged in a number of activities and events as one of the first chapters formed since Father’s Club originated five years ago.

What does it take to succeed?

A key catalyst of BVW’s success in living out the Father’s Club Mission in support of students, teachers and the greater community has been a constant stream of great leaders. The current leadership team consists of Clay Norkey, Kevin Saylan, Dan Viall, and Danny Mayer. As any outstanding leader understands, these four dads acknowledge they would be unable to accomplish anything without a multitude of dads who have been willing to step up for the good of the cause.

BVW’s leadership has capitalized on the energy and willingness of a large group of dads who have been willing to enthusiastically show up, roll up their sleeves, and, as the Father’s Club Mission Statement declares, “be intentional with their KIDS, with other DADS and within their COMMUNITY.” There is no better example of their intentionality than their sentinel activity to support school spirit and financial support: running the fall football concessions sales.

Father’s Club and football concessions!

Because all Father’s Club financial support is fund-raised, BVW must rely on donations and its own organized activities. A few years ago, the BVW’s chapter was asked by school administrators to assume the concessions sales for fall football games. Clay Norkey saw an opportunity to use this service to raise funds to help support the school. While other donations are used for dad-only activities such as social events and mental-health training, EVERY dollar raised by Father’s Club through concession sales is poured back into the school through a variety of Father’s Club initiatives and partnerships.

The Father’s Club just completed its fourth year of managing the concession sales. The first year occurred in 2020, when school activities were dramatically altered because of the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges faced by BVW’s Father’s Club – with limited school attendance and restricted programming – the leaders solicited local donations of candy, snacks, and bottled water that they bundled into sacks and handed out to families as they arrived to watch their kids play. It was an attempt at normalcy in an abnormal world. The snack packs were free, but the fans responded with over $1,000 in donations!. The dad leaders knew that, despite that first challenging year, they were off to a great start.

The past three years of concession sales have been crisp, with sales increasing each year to help support BVW programs and events. In order for that to occur, it has taken a massive number of dads and an organizational effort that continues to grow and improve each year.

The Nitty Gritty

Consider all the work and organization that goes on behind the scenes by West’s Father’s Club members to make this happen:

• It takes 15-20 dads and sometimes their kids to staff the home concession booth for each BVW home game.
• West’s Father’s Club also gives other school organizations the ability to raise funds for their own programs by staffing the visitor side stand, which mutually benefits the chapter by alleviating a staffing issue and the participating groups by providing a good return to fund their own initiatives. Cross Country, DECA, Debate, and the Dance Team have all stepped up so far, with others on a waiting list.
• Volunteers are recruited through word-of-mouth, GroupMe, social media, the chapter’s email newsletter, school-wide principal emails, and announcements at other events. They use Sign Up Genius to ensure adequate coverage and many willing dads have enthusiastically come forward.
• Enough volunteers are needed for each game for four “shifts” (pre-game prep a day or two before the event; set-up prep just prior to each game; first half through halftime; and halftime through final clean up.)
• Many volunteers also “just show up” (a Father’s Club and BVW mantra). A lack of helping hands has never been an issue.
• Dads often have their kids join in to assist with sales, which creates valuable and lasting memories for all. See this blog by Dan Viall, one of BVW’s leaders, which shares his heart-warming testimony of the bond it has created in his personal life with his daughter.
• Sales inventory is, of course, not a small matter. A core group of dads coordinate, purchase, and deliver concessions for resale for each of the games.
• The Father’s Club dads also collaborate closely with the school’s football staff who provide freshmen and sophomore players to use their muscle to move beverages and other inventory to where sales occur a day or two before each game.
• In addition to the sales, the BVW dads distribute snacks to game officials and the flag crew during the halftime of each game, as well as complimentary sandwiches, snacks, and beverages to each official and key administrators following each contest.
• The dads even established a new West tradition: The Hot Dog Toss! It’s a “signature moment” that has gained popularity at each game. The dads march down the track at the end of the third quarter and toss hot dogs and candy into the student section. The kids love it!
• Procedures have been put into place that ensure proper handling and accountability of the proceeds before, during, and after each game. Funds are managed with top-notch integrity by the leadership team.

This is an abbreviated list of all the organization and effort by Father’s Club dads that goes into concession sales fundraising to support efforts and programs at Blue Valley West High School.

So, you ask, what is done with the funds raised by the BVW Father’s Club concession sales efforts? The answer: a plethora of remarkable things that support West’s students, teachers, and community, such as:

The Plethora of Remarkable Things

• Leading numerous Fist Bump for Food (FB4F) events throughout the year to support the students, teachers, administrators, and others that are part of the BVW community. During a recent event, the Father’s Club handed out 1,000 donuts to encourage students during finals week.
• Sponsoring teacher appreciation events such as faculty luncheons; an annual Faculty Family Night for teachers with burgers, dogs, snacks, and drinks during the spring sports-a-palooza when four or five events happen on campus at once; Morning coffees by bringing in baristas and portable coffeeshops for morning coffees, teacher and staff luncheons; and joining with the PTO to provide teacher-appreciation gifts.
• Partnering with the Counseling Team to envision and dream up ways to support the work they do with and for the students.
• Hosting The Jaguar Grill, where dads cook out, hang out, and play games with the students over extended lunch periods twice per year.
• Awarding mental-health focused scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated perseverance in the face of crisis and now share their stories in a way that increases awareness and reduces the stigma of mental-health issues, and engaged in other mental-health initiatives for improving, raising awareness, or reducing the stigma of mental-health issues. In 2023, a total of $2,500 in scholarships were awarded to five worthy graduates.
• Hosting an annual informational night at the beginning of each school year (an event promoted by the school-wide newsletter, Jaguar Journal) to introduce new dads to the Father’s Club and suggest ways they can become involved. This year, fifty dads showed up!
• Organizing and hosting other “social” events for dads throughout the school year to build camaraderie, connect with and support each other, and even discuss additional ideas of how the Father’s Club can produce innovative ideas or improve existing ways to build on and improve existing efforts.
• Periodically meeting with school administrators and student leaders for mutual encouragement and to learn how Father’s Club can best serve the BVW community
• And much, much more.

By being intentional in raising funds with its concession sales efforts and in a variety of other ways, the Blue Valley West chapter dads display the Father’s Club Core Values that have made its mission work vibrant and thrive. Awesome.

By Jason Terry, Jason Moxness and Mike Davisson

One of the things that is so much fun about being involved with Father’s Club is that it brings people together. This is a story about a series of conversations that turned into an amazing opportunity to watch the KC Chiefs play football in Germany in true tailgate fashion, while eating pancakes and surrounded by a bunch of beautiful Porsches.

Jason Terry’s Comments

I have been working with Father’s Club since June of 2019. What started out as a pro bono website development project has turned into a cause that I am incredibly passionate about. The idea of dads coming together to be intentional with their kids is something so incredibly important! And it makes sense that dads end up supporting each other through the process as well. Today, I maintain the website for Father’s Club, make sure the blog posts are happening and supporting the organization from a technical perspective in various ways.

Jason Moxness and I are close friends. I had been sharing stories about Father’s Club for months and he wanted to do something to support them. He came up with the idea of having a KC Chiefs watch party/fundraiser to benefit Father’s Club, and in typical fashion, he pulled a bunch of people together to make it a day to remember.

Jason Moxness’s Comments

Acting on nudges is something that I try and pay attention to and this event was one of those nudges. With an idea, some creativity, a few generous friends and a short amount of time we were able to pull together an amazing event. We love hosting parties at the Carriage House Garages in De Soto, but this time I thought – let’s have a party with a purpose! Let’s start with the idea of a KC Chiefs tailgate party and take it up a notch by adding all you can eat pancakes (thank you Chris Cakes!), bottomless Bloody Mary’s (thank you GJ’s Bloody Mary’s and Clear Ten Vodka!), beautiful cars (thank you Porsche Club of KC!) and generous friends and neighbors (you know who you are :)

After serving 250 people, we were able to raise $4,500 for Father’s Club – not bad for a first year event. The Father’s Club Mission Statement is closely aligned with my personal belief system and is an organization that I will continue to support. I encourage others to do the same!

Mike Davisson’s Comments

Porsches & Pancakes was our first fundraising event outside of our annual golf tournament and what a great event it was! Cool cars; Chris Cakes breakfast; Chiefs football and an opportunity to do life together was at the heart of the event. In addition to added pics on our camera roles; to full bellies and a Chiefs victory over Miami, we were able to share the story of Father’s Club and the impact we are having in our communities. Subsequently, additional dads joined Father’s Club; others became aware of us for the first time and yet others have continued to provide opportunities for additional conversations to communicate our mission.

I personally want to thank and recognize Jason & Paige Moxness as well as the entire Carriage House community of supporters that presented the idea and executed flawlessly on a great event that provided a venue to have fun watching the Chiefs; enjoying community; spreading the story of Father’s Club and raising funds for our mission.

By Mike Rothwell, Board Member/Director of Community Partners for Father’s Club

‘Tis the season of holiday cheer!

No matter how you celebrate the holidays each year, we often find ourselves rushed, stressed, and overwhelmed as we try to make the holiday season one we will never forget. We seek to make our lives look perfect, our houses light up the sky and our trees are decorated to the nines. And while many look forward to the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the sweet aroma of holiday treats, dads often find themselves in the role of Chief Holiday Chaos Coordinators.

This year, let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of the season – the dads who make the holidays extra special for their families and friends. Let us not forget that the Father’s Club exists to help dads be intentional with their kids, other dads and within their community. There is no better time of year for dads to relax, recharge, and truly savor the joy of the season and be intentional with the ones they love.

So here are six suggestions for Dads as we seek to be intentional over the holiday break.

The Gift of Time:

Dads, amidst the chaos of holiday preparations, remember that the greatest gift you can give is your time. Set aside moments to engage in activities that bring joy to both you and your family. Whether it’s building a gingerbread house, decorating the tree together, or watching classic holiday movies, these shared experiences create lasting memories.

Tech-Free Traditions:

In a world dominated by screens, consider establishing tech-free zones during holiday gatherings. Encourage everyone, including yourself, to put away phones and devices for a designated period of time. This allows for more meaningful connections and conversations, fostering a warm and intimate atmosphere that defines the true spirit of the holidays.

Dad’s Winter Wonderland:

Create your own winter wonderland right at home. String up some lights, play festive tunes, and embrace the warmth of the season. Consider starting a family tradition of doing a puzzle, having a game night, going on a luminary walk, or even setting up a hot cocoa station for everyone to enjoy.

Gourmet Dad:

Take your culinary skills to the next level by experimenting with festive recipes. Whether you’re a grilling guru or a baking aficionado, involve the whole family in creating a holiday feast. Don your apron, turn up the holiday tunes, and make the kitchen a place of joy and creativity.

Outdoor Adventures:

Embrace the winter weather with outdoor activities. Whether it’s sledding, ice skating, or a winter hike, getting outside provides an opportunity to enjoy nature and create memorable experiences. Don’t forget to capture these moments with a family photo to cherish for years to come.

Dad’s Downtime:

While it’s essential to be involved in the hustle and bustle of the season, carve out moments for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in solitude, recharging your batteries ensures you’re at your best for your family.

Be Present

Dads, as you navigate the holiday season, remember that your presence is the best present you can offer. Life is full of chaos and brokenness. Christmas is a time to remember that the brokenness has been restored. Our hope is that you will find a bit of peace in the midst of the chaos. You have what it takes to make this holiday season truly special for both you and your loved ones.

Here’s to a joyous and memorable Christmas season filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family.

With resolve, humility, and love,
The Father’s Club

 

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

It seems impossible that we are already into the holiday season and the majority of 2023 is mostly behind us. One of the joys of year-end is the Christmas and New Year holiday season that we can experience with our family and friends.

Another more practical and less anticipated aspect of this time of the year is we are coming to the end of another tax year. It’s time to plan for and complete the infamous IRS Form 1040 (or whatever tax instruments you use) to accommodate annual filing obligations for 2023 income tax returns.

 

Although none of us are anxious to roll up our sleeves to do our necessary tax planning, there is something we can all do to mitigate the amount of tax we pay to Uncle Sam, and, at the same time, advance the mission of a great cause with a wonderful mission. We all have the opportunity to do BOTH of these things at the same time by considering and contributing a year-end gift to great organizations like the Father’s Club. By planning ahead – you can not only support a great cause, but also reduce your tax obligation with a generous year-end gift.

We Are Five Years Old!

The Father’s Club recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its founding in 2018. The organization relies solely on charitable contributions and the goodwill of those that support the Father’s Club’s mission and various activities. By leading “…with resolve, humility, and love,” a growing number of dads are making a huge and positive difference in the lives of kids and teachers in the schools, the community at large, and by helping dads to engage and grow in their roles as fathers.

As described in this blog, the Father’s Club has been recognized along with other regional and national not-for-profit organizations that contribute to the greater good in the Kansas City region and across the country.

We have experienced some growth in our five years, but that has not come without the willing sacrifices of a growing number of dads. They have volunteered time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others by promoting, supporting, and loving on students and teachers in our schools, being advocates and a tremendous resource for mental health issues for young and old, assisting and connecting parents to excellent resources to help grow their all-important roles in raising their children to be great adults, and a host of other activities.

A Message From Mike Davisson

Mike Davisson, Father’s Club’s executive director, explained it best: “We will continue to be driven and fortified by our Core Values: Putting Others First, Personal Excellence, Integrity, Working Together, Accountability, and humbly Lead Courageously. However, we cannot totally fulfill and be fully committed to our Mission without the generous support of benefactors.

“We strongly encourage that folks with a heart toward our mission, seriously consider a year-end donation to the Father’s Club along with other worthy charities that they support.”
Mike Davisson, Father’s Club executive director

Gifts and donations can come in numerous ways, starting simply with a year-end donation through the Father’s Club website. Gifts can also be provided in other ways, such as through estate planning or stock exchanges, but action must be taken by January 31^st for them to qualify as deductions for 2023. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine the myriad of ways and methods available for your choosing. The Father’s Club is an approved 501-c-3 organization and can provide a tax-deduction statement for any and all qualified gifts.

Please consider a year-end gift. Countless dads and those they love and serve thank you for your generosity. Right here, right now, you matter. And any donation you make will further the mission of The Father’s Club in 2024. Thank you!