FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

IN PRAISE OF FATHERS - DAY OF TRIBUTE BEGAN AT A YMCA IN 1910

Chicago, June 16, 2005 - It began with a young woman in Spokane, Wash., in 1909. Sonora Louise Smart was the daughter of a Civil War veteran who was raising his children alone following the death of their mother. Sonora heard a Mother's Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday honoring fathers. She shared her concern with local ministers at a meeting at the Spokane, Wash. YMCA. The first Father's Day celebration took place at the Spokane Y on June 19, 1910, in William Smart's birth month.

Sonora Smart had suggested that fathers be honored through religious services, special meals, small gifts and the wearing of red roses. In 1972, President Nixon signed Father's Day into law. Today, the day dedicated to Dads has become increasingly an opportunity to lavish gifts and loving gestures on one's father.

"Fathers, today are enormously involved in their children's lives," said Ken Gladish, National Executive Director, YMCA of the USA.. "At YMCAs, we see them daily, acting as coaches, teachers, role models and confidants. And, as leading community service organizations, YMCAs are totally committed in supporting and reassuring them."

Two recent "Building Strong Families" studies by YMCA of the USA and the Search Institute of Minneapolis confirmed that parents think they're doing a good job raising their children but could always use more resources and occasional assistance - and reassurance, from trusted friends.

Sonora Smart Dodd died at the age of 96 but her legacy lives on. A monument to Sonora, her father and to all fathers, stands outside the Spokane YMCA, where today, thousands of members enjoy a wide range of family programs.

Current YMCA programs like Adventure Guides foster understanding and companionship between children and their Dads- and Moms. YMCA Adventure Guides features parent-and-child activities like camping, service-learning projects, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling, and emphasizes the role of parents as guides in their children's lives. Currently, 380 YMCAs across the country offer Adventure Guides programs.

"This Father's Day, let's reach out to fathers, mothers and other caring mentors with a pat on the back and any support we can offer," Gladish said. "When we support parents, we begin to build strong kids and families, strong communities and a strong nation."

YMCA of the USA is national resource office for America's 2,595 YMCAs, collectively the nation's largest community service organization and charity of choice. YMCAs serve 18.9 million people, including 9.3 million children through a broad range of programs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. Financial assistance is available. Visit www.ymca.net.

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