| Fatherhood program’s focus: Strengthening relationships |
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Posted: Monday, July 9, 2012 9:01 pm
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JACKSON — The Greer Campaign’s third fatherhood program will begin today, building on Run Jackson’s recent celebration of fathers.
The program is open to any father who wants to join a support network of other dads to focus on strengthening his relationships.
Run Jackson was a Father’s Day weekend festival hosted by The Greer Campaign in conjunction with the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation. The presentation of the first Paul Williams Father of the Year award to Richard Hogg of Jackson was a capstone of the event.
Hogg’s wife, Kristi, nominated him as a surprise and his shock was evident when his name was called from the downtown Jackson stage. Mrs. Hogg said she nominated her husband because of his faithfulness in being a great father to both of their daughters, Marli and Mayci, and in meeting all the extra demands brought about by Mayci’s mitochondrial disease — from years of diaper changing to traveling to countless doctors to help her live.
The Hoggs are founders of Mayci’s Miracle Fund, a fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation designed to provide support for those with special needs. More than 40 people submitted a Father of the Year nomination for this first presentation.
Attendees enjoyed several activities throughout the day. About 80 runners participated in Run Jackson’s first 5K, helping raise money for The Greer Campaign on June 16 in downtown Jackson.
Runners, volunteers and community members joined The Greer Campaign founder Jabari Greer and his family in a one-mile march for families while the Liberty High School drum line performed under the direction of Ben Martin, LHS assistant director of bands. Other highlights were sprint races that included Special Needs Athletics participants and community heroes. Community heroes winning awards were Darius Pewit of the Jackson Police Department, Duane Seals of the Jackson Fire Department Downtown Station 1 and Wesley Williams of the National Guard.
Before American Idol finalist Jason Castro took the stage, WYN 106.9 West TN Idol/Texaco Country Showdown finalists Emma Webb of Memphis, Priscilla Barker of Amory, Miss., Ashtyn Walker of Henderson, Abbie Bayless of Reagan, Ashley Mitchell of Greenfield (named winner the following week) and Marcus Whybrew of Nashville took the stage. Audience members also enjoyed performances by Joeneshia Green, Saul2Paul, Russell Dickerson and Smooth Jazz Progression throughout the afternoon and evening.
A number of vendors provided information and entertainment for guests.
The Greer Campaign is a non-profit organization founded by Jackson native and New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer. To learn more about its mission to unite fathers and unite families, go to http://thegreercampaign.org/. Additional details and photos can be found at http://www.facebook.com/TheGreerCampaign.
Anyone interested in joining a support network of fathers can contact executive director Sandy Stewart at sandy@thegreercampaign.org or find out more by going online to http://thegreercampaign.org. Published in The Messenger 7.9.12 |
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