Free Father’s Day event at Frederick Douglass center

6/14/2014

Fathers and their families are invited to an afternoon of pizza and prizes at the Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority’s annual “Fatherhood Initiative Celebration.” The free event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Frederick Douglass Community Center in central Toledo.

The celebration is part of the “Father’s Day Initiative,” a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that aims to encourage fathers from public housing households to play a greater role in their families’ lives.

“We’‍re working closely with families to help them recognize the importance and influence of the father in the family,” said Vanessa Street, director of LMHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. “This is a celebration that’s focusing on male family figures, but in general it’s focusing on the entire family.”

In the spirit of friendly competition, families will be able to vie for prizes in jump rope, basketball, and volleyball exhibitions, as well as a scavenger hunt.

Local businesses and agencies, many of whom will be on hand to distribute informational materials, have donated food, bikes, and tickets to local attractions.

Face painting and other crafts also will be available for children, with supplies courtesy of Michael’s.

Winners of the Father’s Day children’s essay contest, in which participants were asked to compose a short letter describing their fathers’ importance in their lives, will be announced at the celebration.

Ms. Street said last year’s event drew about 100 people.

Contact Jennifer Gersten at: jgersten@theblade.com or 419-724-6050.