By Brad Holdhusen, Co-Founder, CEO & Board Member for Father’s Club

All too often, when an amazing human being leaves this earth, memories of them, their impact, what they did/accomplished, how they loved, etc. is too quickly forgotten. As I sit here nearly three months after Vince Stephens unexpectedly passed away on the evening of March 21, 2023, I wish I could tell you that the delay in me writing a memorial blog about him is because I intentionally wanted to wait a while so that I could resurface memories of such an amazing man. The truth… I’ve been avoiding this moment. I couldn’t bring myself to sit down and write this until now.

Why?

Because never in my life up to this point has the pain of losing someone so near and dear—not just to me, but to hundreds of people—stung so incredibly much. Although most all of the major surface level “boxes” that society likes to check were completely opposite between Vince and I, I could not have considered that man more of a “brother” to me than most anyone I’ve ever known.

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Vince and I often joked about how a man from the streets of Cleveland who would rather do anything but hunt, fish or spend time in the woods, could meet a hillbilly from the fields of South Dakota who would rather do nothing but those activities. Through the world’s eyes, Vince and I couldn’t be more polar opposite… But in the deep, rich moments of our 1:1 conversations and through how our shared passion for our families, our marriages and our community knitted us together, you might’ve thought we were separated at birth. I’m so very grateful that Darrin Wolff had the foresight to introduce the two of us back during the fall of 2017.

That said, the purpose of this blog is to not articulate the chronology of Vince and I’s relationship. Furthermore, I typically would be sensitive about not writing a book of a blog.

This is one time where I will write unabated and unconcerned about how many paragraphs end up falling on the page. Vince’s life is deserving of more than a book or even a series of novels… It’s deserving of one of the most well written documentaries produced by the world’s best cinematic producer and displayed on the biggest screen for the world’s largest audience to soak in! Yes, the man was THAT impactful.

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How can I make such a claim?

Because those of us who knew Vince will have never seen nor experienced a human being who understands AND LIVED OUT what the words “grace and “love really mean… I mean REALLY… more than this man did. The stories and examples that prove this to be true are too many to recant. However, know this… The overall theme of this man’s life (at least, during the time I was gifted to know and spend time with him) was way beyond the norm.

During his first F3 workout, Vince was given the nickname “Doctor Love”. The group of guys that morning clearly knew the man well. You couldn’t present a better example of someone living out and leading with love more effectively and consistently than Vince did. With that said, I would be remiss and misrepresenting why that was the case if I did not bluntly describe what (rather who) Vince quickly credited when people noticed these characteristics in the way he lived his life.

“But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” [and LOVE!… Vince’s favorite word].
1 Peter 3:15

If I heard Vince quote that verse from memory once, I heard it 1,000 times… The man ate, breathed, slept, and lived that verse daily. Like any red blooded, American male, dad, husband, father, friend, coworker etc., Vince was far from perfect (he’d be the first to tell you that). In the same respect, he didn’t live a life for the horizontal audience that surrounded him every day here on earth… Rather he lived his life for a vertical audience of 1 – Jesus.

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This blog is not intended to be a sermon nor a list of recommendations on how YOU should live your life… It’s simply a respectful way to memorialize and recant the factual way in which Vince Stephens lived HIS life along with the use of words that often crossed HIS lips.

So, in closing, if I had the opportunity to say one last thing to my brother, Vince, it would be:

Well done, brother! In the spirit of the words that I have so often heard you recite from memory, your ACTIONS and how you LOVED provided you the opportunity to “share with people the reason for your hope”… The way you lived your life will forever be an inspiration and an example to me and so many others.

Your foundational initiation and involvement in starting The Father’s Club will forever be honored and upheld. That is my personal promise to you, your amazing wife, Veronica, and your 4 boys, Vince Jr., Brandon, Justin, and Dorian.

Here’s to one last, “I love you, brother!”…. Words I will miss saying to you while going in for a big “Holdy Hug”. Thank you for the forever impact you had on my life and so many others.

You will be missed… But you will NOT be forgotten!

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Vince Stephens Memorial

By Dan Holdhusen, Grandfather of two graduates and two currently enrolled in Blue Valley High School, Mike Rothwell, Board Member/Director of Community Partners for Father’s Club and Mike Davisson, Regional Director & Board Member for Father’s Club

You MatterIn our quest to live up to our mission, this past 2022-2023 school year was, by far, the Father’s Club most successful yet as we found simple and profound ways to be intentional in the lives of our KIDS, OTHER DADS and within our COMMUNITIES.

Growth and Expansion

Father’s Club has experienced dramatic growth this past year by advancing and promoting one of the most foolproof, tried and true, and historically significant principles of success: getting dads involved in the lives and activities of their kids, with one another, and in the communities they call home. In the school year 2022-23 Father’s Club expanded its footprint and level of activity to new arenas, while at the same time, successfully carrying out its mission with simplicity and effectiveness.

Father’s Club footprint expanded this past year, and now includes four Regions consisting of schools in both Kansas and Missouri in the Kansas City metro area. The four Regions spread across the geographic areas of Olathe, Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission and Lee Summit now include a total of 28 Chapters. Included in the Chapter are more than 1,800 registered dads and countless others who are continually seeing the benefits that come with dads’ proactive involvement in the lives and livelihood of their children. These hundreds of fathers have jumped in – feet- and hearts-first – to get involved and invested in Father’s Club activities and events throughout the metro area.

Sponsored Events and Focused Activities

Father’s ClubIn addition to the recent launch of our 28th Chapter, the expansion of long-standing Chapters has grown to include new and innovative events, as well as the continuation of many familiar favorites. Each Chapter has been challenged to be creative and innovative by using a combination of ideas and events in which dads can engage with their Childrens’ schools to show each one of them “how much each one of them matters – right here, right now!” Some of these events have included:

  • Dads showing up early to greet kids starting their school day with a fist bump, some breakfast snacks, a huge smile, and tons of encouragement to show them that dads care and kids are important.
  • Dads showing up on weekends to help trim the trees, bushes, and shrubs and contribute, in many small ways, by showing pride in the beautification and appearance of our school grounds and landscaping.
  • A focus on mental health awareness and education that affects the lives of so many kids and their families in an authentic way in today’s culture. Concrete ways in which this focus was addressed in the past year included a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training event in March 2023 where forty dads received training and resources from experts on mental health awareness issues, including teen suicide.

Chuck's Last RideThe cost of this MHFA training event was paid for by the dads who attended, as well as from proceeds raised from “Chuck’s Last Ride”, which was accomplished by Chuck Smith, a cancer victim, whose heart was captured by teenage mental health challenges and teen suicide. Sadly, Chuck passed away shortly after completing a 3,000-mile ride on his motorcycle through western United States. He inspired thousands with his courage and left a tremendous legacy that the Father’s Club and those touched by its mission still benefit from today.

The goal of Father’s Club Mental Health First Aid Training has been to train 1,000 dads to have a deep understanding of the issues surrounding the mental health crisis kids and families are facing – including teen suicide – and to train others and make them aware of symptoms and how to proactively address them.

With assistance of a substantial financial gift from a local family foundation, we have purchased training resources to further dads in a “train the trainers” approach to facilitate reaching our goal of reaching and educating 1,000 fathers. To date, 130 dads are certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Father’s Club also underwrote four performances of an original drama entitled “The Brightest It’s Ever Been,” which was written by Kayli Slayden and produced by Will Gurley. The ‘Pop Up’ performances dramatized the life of a teenager living with anxiety, stress and the pressure adolescents endure.  The play was performed in front of four packed-house audiences in May 2023.

Harvesting Friends and Funds

Father’s ClubRaising funds and financial support is not our purpose, but fund-raising activities are important to grow and sustain the mission of Father’s Club – both at the individual Chapter and the organizational levels.

Chapters came up with very innovative ways to raise not only financial support during the 2022-23 school year; but also ways to promote involvement by dads in the lives of their kids in their schools. Events are not only a fun way to raise important funds to fuel the mission, but also bring dads and family members together during times of crisis and to cheer on the school band, athletic, choir, cheer events, and an assortment of other groups and activities.

Events are too numerous to mention, but schools and events that stood out this past year include:

  • Olathe Northwest – organized and participated in many school activities including a school tailgate, staff appreciation breakfast, a candy and ‘high five’ preschool distribution and greeting, and forged a potential fundraising partnership with other organizations, including giveback2schools, which support raising of funds for extracurricular activities that are normally outside of school budgets.
  • Blue Valley West – dads organized and led the concession sales at school events and raised considerable dollars, much of which was redistributed in the form of scholarships for needy and deserving students.
  • Olathe East – Hosted a breakfast handout before school finals, as well as a football tailgate that recognized the school’s band, drumline, and cheerleaders. In addition, dads distributed coffee and cookies to recognize and honor teachers and provided two $500 Perseverance Award Scholarships to two worthy students. One notable Father’s Club event was the organization of several rallies to support the students and faculty after sad events, including a school shooting that occurred in March 2022.
  • Lee Summit District (including Lee Summit, Lee Summit West, and Lee Summit North) – Were the recipients of a Certificate of Recognition at the Board of Education’s March 16, 2023, meeting.
  • Blue Valley High School – Among numerous events held throughout the year, the Father’s Club organizes several dad and student events including a Career Fair, parent career class presentations, and also have a meeting once a month with the principal to receive feedback and suggestions for dad-involvement in the school and to provide him with encouragement.
  • The list goes on and on… we’ve covered many of these events in our blog.

The Mission CupIn addition to numerous Chapter fundraising activities throughout the year, the Father’s Club primary fundraiser is the annual Mission Cup Golf Tournament and Auction Party which were held on September 9-10, 2022. The Mission Cup was the most successful ever, hosting two hundred golfers and raising over $50,000 to support the Father’s Club mission. We are expecting even bigger things during the 2023 Mission Cup.  We hope you will join us.

Wanting to get dad involved early-on, several Chapters launched in middle schools this past year in addition to those that have been established at high schools in the four metro area Regions. The latest launch occurred toward the end of the 2022-23 school year at Kansas City Christian, which is part of the Shawnee Mission Region.

Awards and Honors

Father's Club 2023 Friends of Education AwardThe Father’s Club received some special honors this past year. In addition to the Certificate of Recognition received from the Lee Summit Board of Education mentioned above, the Blue Valley Independent School District Board recognized the Father’s Club for its partnership and outstanding work in the Blue Valley District by honoring us with the acclaimed “Friend of Education” Certificate of Recognition. In accepting the award, Brad Holdhusen, speaking on behalf of the entire Father’s Club organization across the metro area and, in particular, the group representing the Blue Valley school district said: “We cannot be prouder and more pleased at being recognized for this prestigious award from the Blue Valley district. Father’s Club is not seeking achievement awards. But this recognition is accepted with a deep sense of pride and humility on behalf of the hundreds of dads who put the welfare and education of our kids first.”

Following receipt of the “Friends of Education” recognition, the Blue Valley School District honored us by producing and publishing on social media a video to recognize the Father’s Club, which included testimonies of principals at Blue Valley West and Blue Valley Southwest.

During the school year, the Father’s Club recognized Scott Bacon, former principal at Blue Valley High School, as the 2022 Shovel Award Recipient of the year. The Shovel Award is a recognition given annually to a person who is extremely special and has done a phenomenal job of consistently promoting and supporting Father’s Club. In 2018, Scott was an instrumental part in the creation of the Fathers’s Club by assisting the establishment of our first Chapter at Blue Valley High School.   His leadership in education has been truly exceptional, and Father’s Club will be forever indebted to him. Scott has now moved on to become principal at Raytown-Peculiar (Ray-Pec) High School in Missouri.

A Sad Farewell

Vince StephensFinally, we end this year-in-review on an incredibly sad note. On March 21 of this year, our beloved founder and incredible friend, Vince Stephens passed away suddenly at the much-too-young age of sixty. Vince was a humble giant among men and is dearly missed by all. We will continue to surround his wife, Veronica, and his four sons Vince, Jr., Brandon, Justin and Dorian and their families with all of the Father’s Club devotion and support we can muster. You are greatly missed, Vince.

We will continue to build on our dad-led efforts into the coming year. We believe it is important to take a look back and celebrate all that has taken place this past year. Although we dream of expanding Father’s Club Chapters in places like the Kansas City Northland, Blue Springs, Topeka, Wichita and beyond, we are continually reminded that fathers and fatherhood are a powerful force for good, wherever, and whenever dads make themselves available. Our communities need us, our schools need us, we need one another. But, most importantly, our kids need their fathers to be involved.

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. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our mission this past school year.

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

The Father’s Club Mission is to create simple ways for dads to be intentional with their KIDS, with other DADS and within their COMMUNITY.
With resolve, humility, and love, our mission is to be a catalyst for positive influence around the world.

The Pandemic of Male LonelinessIn today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, it may seem paradoxical to discuss loneliness. However, despite the apparent constant connectivity, many men find themselves struggling with isolation and a lack of meaningful connections. Enter F3, a unique platform that has emerged as a powerful solution for male loneliness. In this blog post, we will explore how F3Nation.com addresses this pervasive issue and offers men a supportive community where they can forge lasting bonds, improve their physical fitness, and enhance their overall well-being.

Understanding Male Loneliness:

Loneliness affects people of all genders, but studies have shown that men, in particular, tend to struggle with loneliness. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles often discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking emotional support. As a result, many men suffer in silence, leading to various physical and mental health issues. Male loneliness is a complex issue, but it is one that F3 aims to tackle head-on.

What is F3?

F3, which stands for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith, is a non-profit organization that focuses on creating free, peer-led workouts for men across the United States and beyond. It operates through a robust online platform that allows men to find nearby F3 workouts and connect with fellow participants. But F3 is more than just a fitness program; it is a community built on the principles of support, accountability, and personal growth.

And four years ago, F3 Nation launched F3 Kansas City and the Father’s Club immediately aligned on Mission with this group and became community partners.

Fitness:

Physical fitness is a cornerstone of F3. By promoting regular exercise and encouraging men to push their limits, F3 provides an outlet for releasing stress, improving overall health, and boosting confidence. The shared experience of challenging workouts fosters camaraderie and creates a sense of belonging among participants. The group workouts enable men to form connections and build relationships with others who are striving for similar fitness goals.

Fellowship:

F3 emphasizes fellowship as a means of combating male loneliness. Through its workouts, events, and community gatherings, F3 creates a space where men can come together, connect, and forge meaningful friendships. The organization encourages participants to reach out to one another, provide support, and offer accountability in various aspects of their lives beyond fitness. The bonds formed within F3 extend beyond workout sessions, often leading to lifelong friendships.

Faith:

While F3 is not affiliated with any specific religious denomination, it recognizes the importance of faith in combating loneliness. F3 encourages men to explore and develop their own sense of purpose and spirituality, whatever that may mean to them. By providing a platform for open discussions and shared experiences, F3 facilitates personal growth and fosters a sense of belonging among participants.

What is the impact of F3?

The impact of F3 on male loneliness cannot be overstated. By combining fitness, fellowship, and faith, this unique platform provides men with the tools they need to overcome isolation and create meaningful connections. Participants often report improvements in mental health, increased self-confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. F3’s supportive environment helps men develop skills for effective communication, emotional well-being, and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.

In a society where male loneliness continues to be a pressing issue, F3 offers a compelling solution. By prioritizing fitness, fellowship, and faith, this platform helps men combat isolation, build meaningful connections, and improve their overall well-being. F3 provides a supportive community where men can come together, grow personally and physically, and ultimately find lasting friendships. So, if you’re a man seeking to overcome loneliness and forge meaningful connections, F3 is waiting to welcome you into its supportive band of brothers.

This summer the Father’s Club encourages you to give F3 a try.

They have 37 different options available every week for ALL Men. Take a look at the schedule below and find a location and time that is convenient for you.

For more information we strongly suggest reading this article and podcast that dives deeper into the pandemic of male loneliness and how F3 aims to deliver a solution for ALL MEN!

Our very own Ryan Kapple, the OG Chapter Chair at Olathe East, wants to share a bit of his Father’s Club and F3 Journey with you.  Check it out!

The Pandemic of Male Loneliness

By Brad Holdhusen, Co-Founder, CEO & Board Member for Father’s Club

My “Pops” has been my hero since I can remember. Sadly, I don’t tell him that enough. So, please allow me the honor to share a brief tribute to him as he celebrates his 73rd birthday today, May 17th. (In case you don’t know him, his name is Dan.) I’m already tearing up and I’m not even three sentences in! That emotion for which I can affectionately thank my wonderful mom. OK, here goes…

This blog was prompted after I read my dad’s recent Father’s Club blog draft. That will be coming out next week. In his typical, humble fashion, he only scratched the surface on why I asked him to get deeply involved in Father’s Club as somewhat of our “Interim Executive Director”.

In an attempt to keep this blog from getting too long, I’ll try to simply focus on the reason behind why I asked my Pops to help out in this capacity and why I’m honored he chose to do so.

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The Career

Over his professional career, my dad was entrusted with titles such as CEO, CFO, Director of Communications and others. He’s sat in on and has run many board meetings, has been deeply involved with more than one non-profit, addressed thousands–including elected officials in DC–at multiple public speaking opportunities and has dedicated much of his life to (at least in my opinion & through a son’s eyes) impacting many while flying under the radar with his refreshing and humble demeanor. Although his giftings outweigh most people, you will NEVER hear that from him… not even a glimpse or a hint. His impactful humility inspires me more than he knows.

Therefore, it was an honor when he agreed to “join the team” at the Father’s Club organizational leadership level. Not only has it provided me the opportunity to talk with him and meet him for lunch or breakfast on a more regular basis, but it has allowed me to comfortably know that many of the organizational details needing attention and focus are now in great shepherding hands… My dad’s hands. (Of course, with the help of myself and the rest of our very capable board.)

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The Athlete

I could go on and on, but I’ll close by explaining some of the pictures that I pulled together for this blog. In his blog post next week, my dad alludes to being a high school athlete and draws a connection to “staying in the game” similar to not checking out after retiring. I’m proud to share that my Pops was an all-star on the basketball court and the football field for the Aberdeen Central Eagles in South Dakota. You’ll see some newspaper clips from those days in this blog.

In addition, BOTH my mom and dad were on the homecoming court pictured in the hometown parade as they were able to ride in the same convertible together their senior year. High school sweethearts to boot!

Lastly, you’ll see a picture of my dad with his dad (my grandpa Holdhusen) back in the day. Next to that, a picture of my dad (with a sweet mustache) holding me as a baby. Even at that very young age you can see the joy in my face as I look at my Pops.

Why write this blog, besides to obviously honor “my old man”? Because I believe it’s at the root of what Father’s Club is all about and why I pressed in so heavily when Vince Stephens approached me back in 2018… Because although dads aren’t always perfect, they are so incredibly important and instrumental in the lives and direction of their kids.

I’m honored to have been taught so many great qualities by “my old man”.

Love you, Pops!
Brad

California Trail Middle School Serve DayBy Mike Davisson, Regional Director & Board Member for Father’s Club

Principal Mike Wiley and staff from California Trail Middle School (CTMS) have designated a day each school year to have students go out into the community to do service work at elementary schools; parks; local nonprofits and more. They are sent out with the mission of having a positive impact in the community and teaching students the value of serving others. It was with that serving others first mentality that Principal Wiley reached out and asked Father’s Club if we would be interested in being there to greet students with a High Five; an encouraging word or a thank you when they returned to school.

CTMS Father’s Club, with the help of Andy’s Frozen Custard, took it a step further and welcomed the students back with Andy’s Frozen Custard ice cream cups in addition to those high fives; encouraging words and thank yous. Students and teachers alike were surprised when they departed the buses to see a group of Dads along with tables of ice cream. Smiles could be seen throughout the large groups of students disembarking from their buses and making their way to the ice cream tables. One student was heard saying these are the best dads ever.

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It was great to see the excitement from students and staff, but also from the dads who got to be part of such a small, but impactful conclusion to Serve Day. These dads took a small amount of time out of their day to spend time with these kids. We never know how an activity like this can impact a student, but I can tell you there was not one dad that regretted taking the time to be intentionally involved in the lives of these students on a gorgeous spring day.

Special thanks to Sara Laughlin from Andy’s Frozen Custard and to the CTMS Father’s Club dads for being a part of Serve Day and serving others.

California Trail Middle School Serve Day

By Tom Herzog, Board Member and Director of Mental Health Awareness for Father’s Club

Father's Club on Just a Mom PodcastBrad and I had a fantastic time recording a podcast episode with Susie Gurley of Just a Mom Podcast. She is doing amazing work to inspire necessary conversation for all of us to make a difference when it comes to mental health for our kids!

In Episode 7 of season 2 of The Just a Mom Podcast, we talk about the @TheFathersClub mission; how this grass root effort is promoting intentionality around relationships, the work to be a catalyst for change to address mental health, teen suicide, substance abuse, technology addiction, self-worth, and stronger families. There is no question to the challenges before us, but when we press in, we can help one another in the pursuit to be our best selves.

Website: thejustamompodcast.com

Apple: apple.co/3YTxIJK

Spotify: spoti.fi/3XQ1qOA

Much appreciated, Susie!
#mentalhealth #bethedifference #strongertogether

Just a Mom Podcast Just a Mom Podcast Logo

Episode Summary

What started in 2018 as a couple of dads with the vision of being intentional as dads is now in over 25 schools and counting. Brad and Tom share how they started the Father’s Club in their children’s high school to let kids know that you matter, right here, right now, and linking arms as dads to make a difference in their corner of the world. Brad and Tom share how over 100 dads became certified in mental health first aid, and how the Father’s Club works to utilize many resources in the community to help parents. If you are interested in starting a Father’s Club in your area/school, please go to fathersclub.org.

 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

You Matter – Right Here – Right Now

By Brad Holdhusen, CEO/Board Member/Chapter Chair for Father’s Club

I’m sitting here with a hero of many of yours, and one of mine, Mr. Scott Bacon.

The 2022 Shovel Award

We wanted to honor Scott with what we call the Shovel Award. Tom Herzog was the recipient last year. 2021 was the first year that we’ve presented this award.

The shovel award is something we give to someone that’s extremely special and has done a phenomenal job for our organization every single year. And the reason Scott was chosen for this award and this honor is that he was an extremely instrumental part in the Father’s Club and getting things going at Blue Valley High School. His leadership in education is something extremely special.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Scott joined us on our very first mental health first aid training event, which was, give or take, about 35 men.

He mentioned that it was unlike any other meeting with a group of men he has had. It was amazing. He had recently gone through a situation with his son who had cancer. Scott mentioned he wasn’t prepared for some of the things emotionally that his son was going to experience and ultimately what he experienced as his dad. He said, “To have an opportunity to express some of those things and be a part of the feedback, it was life changing for me.”

A Question About Raypec

We asked if he was planning on bringing some traditions over to Raypec that he had at Blue Valley High School. His response was, “Well, right now I’m really listening and learning and trying to become the part of the traditions that are already here. I think the communities are very similar and the cultures in the schools are very similar, so that excites me, and hopefully that means I’m a good fit for what I’m walking into here at Raypec. There’s a lot of pride in this community. There’s a lot of enthusiasm about this community, and I look forward to being a part of that down the line.”

A Question About Blue Vally High School

We also asked what he misses most about Blue Valley High School. He said, “The kids, the staff and the community. The same thing that I look forward to becoming a part of here at Raypec, because I see so many similarities. The BVHS parent community was so supportive. I was tremendously blessed to be a part of that.”

Again, we would like to say that Scott Bacon has meant a great deal to our community at Blue Valley High School. His legacy, his ability to lead with resolve and focus and direction and do it in such a way that impacts absolutely everybody, is a huge inspiration to us all. Scott will  always be a special part of the Father’s Club.

Congratulations on receiving the 2022 Shovel Award Scott!

Blue Valley Northwest Chapter Relaunch

By Chris Merkel, Blue Valley Northwest Co-Chair

After a two year hiatus, the Father’s Club chapter of Blue Valley Northwest (BVNW) relaunched in November 2022. We had great turnout for our kick-off meeting and are excited about having strong leadership at the school.

In late November, the Father’s Club hosted a Fist Bumps 4 Food event with nearly a thousand Chicken Biscuit sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A.

Here’s a story from a BVNW mom that came out of that day:

There was a mom who dropped off their student and when I gave them the chicken and biscuit she rolled down her window and asked what was going on. I let her know that BVNW was relaunching the Father’s Club and today was the first Fist Bumps 4 Food to celebrate. She smiled and said, “That is awesome!”

A few minutes went by and she circled back in the circle drop off, rolled her window down and motioned for me to come to her van. I asked her if everything was ok as she had tears coming down her face… She proceeded to tell me that she was a recent widow and that if her husband was still alive that he would have definitely been there with us greeting the kids that morning! She wanted to say Thank You to all of the dads that were there in the cold and she was so happy that her child got to be greeted this morning by a bunch of dads.

I guess you never know who we can impact by a simple gesture, but I thought this was a pretty cool moment and wanted to share it. I have no idea who this person was, but she was excited that the Father’s Club is back at Blue Valley Northwest! And so are we!

Blue Valley Northwest Chapter Relaunch

Lee's Summit North First EventBy Troy Diehl

The Lee’s Summit North chapter started strong with our first Fist Bumps for Food event.

1,000 Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls!

We passed out 1,000 Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls to hungry students as they started their day. We were so excited to interact with the amazing students at Lee’s Summit North High School! It was great seeing all the smiling faces and to know this is what Father’s club is all about.

This event laid the foundation for our newly formed chapter and allows us to build momentum to do great things for the students at North in the future!

The staff at Lee’s Summit North has been extremely supportive and we know this will be a great partnership going forward.

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By Randy Bratton, Board Member/Director of Campus Growth for Father’s Club

Amidst the summer heat, here’s a reminder for the Father’s Club annual fundraiser, the 13th Annual Mission Cup golf tournament on Friday, September 9. This year’s tournament will be on TWO courses on the same day, with about 200 golfers. The next night, Saturday, September 10, we will hold our Mission Cup Party & Auction for players and plus one’s at the brand new Chicken N Pickle on 135th St in Overland Park!

We need your help in two ways…

Father's Club - Randy Bratton

Register to play! Click here to register a team, buy raffle tickets, and bring others to the party!

And will you take a moment to think about companies or individuals who may want to support us this year? Is your company charitably-minded, and supports causes in the KC community? Send them this link to our sponsorship levels!

If your company doesn’t want to be a sponsor or play with us, we’d love for them to provide items for our silent auction, raffle, or golfer bags. On behalf of Father’s Club, we’d appreciate any level of participation! Please reach out at randy.bratton@fathersclub.org or call me at (901) 647-6099 for more info, or to connect me to the right people in your organization.

Thanks in advance for your support, and we’ll see you at this year’s Mission Cup!