On Saturday, April 1 the YMCA of Roanoke Valley will celebrate the 85th Annual Father, Son, & Family Banquet at Lucy Addison Middle School. This year will mark the event’s 85th year as not only a long-standing tradition celebrating families; but an event that showcases the YMCA’s role in Roanoke history.
The Father, Son Banquet was initiated in 1932 by L.A. Lee, first director of the William A, Hunton Branch YMCA, Roanoke’s YMCA for African Americans. As such, the first banquets were attended by only Black residents. Segregation at YMCAs were ended in 1964 and African Americans in Roanoke were able to use the Central YMCA downtown. The banquet, which began as a Hunton Y tradition, has evolved over the years-opening its doors to all races and welcoming mothers and daughters.
This year’s event is expected to bring out over 200 youth and families and features a key note speaker, music, entertainment, and food prepared by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. In addition, Member One Federal Credit Union presents the A.L. Holland “Heart of a Father” award along with awards to the oldest father-son pair, the youngest son, the father accompanied by the most sons, and a father-son look-alike contest. Similar awards are presented to mothers and daughters in attendance.
In collaboration with this event is a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The bracket style tournament also takes place on April 1 from 9am-noon at Lucy Addison Middle School. Middle school students can participate for $10 and the winning team will be presented with medals by Twin Hoops founders, Damon and Ramon Williams. Entry fees for the basketball tournament can be purchased at the YMCA Express at Gainsboro. Proceeds from this event and the basketball tournament directly benefit the Gainsboro YMCA.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at the YMCA Express at Gainsboro for $20. Table sponsorships for the Father, Son and Family Banquet are also available for $200. For more information on table sponsorships contact Development Director Dale Parris at 540-527-9622.
Founded in 1883, the YMCA of Roanoke Valley, now includes Kirk Family YMCA, Salem Family YMCA, YMCA Express at Gainsboro, Rockbridge Family YMCA, and Y After School. The YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in its mission throughout the Valley.
For more information on the YMCA, visit www.ymcaroanoke.org
