March 7, marked the 83rd Annual Father-Son and Family Banquet, the longest continuous running program of the YMCA of Roanoke Valley. It was truly an evening to remember. Some 200 attendees arrived at Lucy Addison Middle School ready for food, fun, and fellowship.
As guests entered they were greeted by volunteers and Y staff who worked the ticket table and directed them to the exciting activities. They could visit the Salem Family YMCA’s activity table, or do a project at the Father’s First Program table sponsored by TAP. Children could “spin the Q99 prize wheel” for a chance to win a treasure, get their face painted, or “catch” a prize over the fishing wall. Some were also taught golf skills with First Tee of Roanoke and were able to create a baby snake from men’s ties that included a birth certificate. Other activities included the Member One Federal Credit Union corn hole toss with Filbert the mascot where parents could open up their child’s first savings account.
Prior to dinner, guests were invited to the auditorium for a special presentation from Troy Daniels (Roanoke native and professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets). This was followed by an incredible presentation from Addison Middle and Westside Elementary School’s Step Teams.
This year’s event was blessed by collaboration with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church who provided the entire dinner in-kind. Dr. Paul Dallas and seven volunteers from the church spent eight hours cooking, serving and cleaning. The highlight of the meal was a Baklava Sundae!
Erin Brookshier (WSLS traffic reporter and YMCA board member) did a fantastic job emceeing the event again this year.
The traditional Father-son and Mother-daughter awards were sponsored by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home and Bread’s Cleaning Service. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2015 A.L. Holland “Heart of a Father” award to Councilman Sherman Lea, Sr. The award was sponsored by Member One Federal Credit Union. Over 40 sponsorships and many volunteers made this 83rd Annual Father-Son and Family Banquet a tremendous success.
