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!

 

By Mike Oppold – Director, Blue Valley Region for Father’s Club

Note: Mike has been active in Father’s Club since its inception in 2018. He has one daughter who recently graduated from BVHS and a son who is currently an active senior at BVHS.

It’s been a crazy, wild ride during my tenure with Father’s Club. From the beginning of figuring out what we wanted to be as an organization and how to best get there as men and fathers, to fine tuning our message and creating impactful situations in our kids’ and fathers’ lives. Despite the Covid years, we worked together to build a truly resilient group of men to lead the Blue Valley High School chapter. Because of these things, becoming involved in FC has been the best decision I could have ever made as both a father and as a man.

How it began.

My personal FC experience started from the very beginning when Vince Stephens and Brad Holdhusen first gathered the BVHS dads together to pitch the idea.

The idea of dads locking arms to impact our kids’ lives as well as building community amongst the dads themselves has had a HUGE impact on my life when I look back over the past 7 years. I was a freshman AVID advisor for my daughter Emily’s class right out the gate in 2018. My main role initially was inserting dads into the classroom to provide career presentations and activities like resume reviews and mock interviews.

I still remember the kids’ reactions when the dads doing their career presentations told them they went to college but didn’t really know what they wanted to do when they graduated. The kids’ heads snapped up from writing notes and you could almost read their minds as they thought “…wait a minute! I DON’T have to have my life all figured out before I get to college?!”

How it grew.

From there, I stepped into the BVHS Chapter Chair role and worked with 6 men to expand our steering committee up to its current 18 men (many shoulders carry a lot of weight!)

We work together brainstorming ideas of how we can have a more impactful presence within BVHS, then implementing as many as possible in the shortest window of time. Trust me, we bombed on a few and had many laughs as a result; however, we have made a huge impact on the Blue Valley community with many of our ideas.

It helped tremendously to have the support of former Principal Scott Bacon as well as current Principal Golden, not to mention the entire staff at BVHS.

There are two huge rewards that Father’s Club has brought to my life.

First is the ability to engage with all the kids and have them really talk to you about what’s going on in their lives, and have them shout, “Hey, Mr. Oppold!” when I’m walking around school or a BVHS athletic event. It is evident they trust and respect me and the other dads because we have shown we care.

Second is the community of men that I’ve met and worked with. There are upwards of 50-60 incredible dads that I would have never crossed paths with let alone ever gotten to know if not for my FC involvement.

FC has truly been a blessing to me and my family’s life. If your school has a Father’s Club chapter and you aren’t currently involved, I would strongly encourage you to get involved. It can be life changing. And if there is not currently a chapter at your high school, it might be time to start a conversation about launching a new chapter!