Sonora Smart Dodd (left) and her father, William Jackson Smart (right). Photo from Spokesman-Review, June 13, 1943. (Archives/The Spokesman Review)
Celebrating Fathers from the Beginning
More than a century ago, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd aspired to create a holiday to honor fathers. Dodd, who was the daughter of single father and Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, held her father in great esteem. When Dodd heard a sermon about the newly recognized Mother’s Day, she wondered why there wasn’t a holiday for fathers as well.
After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Washington, Dodd’s idea came to fruition when the first Father's Day celebration took place at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910.
To read more about the YMCA's role in Father's Day - Click Here
Join Us
Join us in celebrating fathers in the YMCA and recognizing the impact that fathers and adult male role models have on children’s lives! This special event, Y Dads Matter, is an opportunity to honor the incredible influence of fathers within our community and the vital role they play in nurturing and guiding our youth.
2024 Event Details
Location: Brookside Country Club
Date: August 21, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Keynote Speaker: Dave Smart
Head Coach, University of the Pacific Men’s Basketball Program
Y Dads Matter Information
A photo of Dave Smart
YMCA coaches and their kids.
Why Attend?
- Inspiring Keynote: Hear from Dave Smart, Head Coach of the University of the Pacific Men’s Basketball Program, as he shares insights and stories about the profound impact fathers have on young athletes and beyond.
- Community Celebration: Connect with other families, celebrate fatherhood, and enjoy a night dedicated to recognizing the importance of fathers and male role models.
- Support Youth Sports: The goal of this event is to raise funds to support youth sports programs throughout San Joaquin County. Your participation and sponsorship will directly contribute to providing more opportunities for children to engage in sports, build self-esteem, and develop lifelong skills.
Why This Initiative Matters:
- Building Confidence: Research shows that children involved in sports are more likely to have higher self-esteem and better social skills. Our youth sports programs are designed to help children develop these crucial attributes.
- Promoting Physical Health: Regular physical activity through sports helps combat childhood obesity, a significant issue in San Joaquin County, where over 20% of children are considered overweight or obese.
- Improving Academic Performance: Studies indicate that children who participate in sports are more likely to excel academically, benefiting from the discipline and time management skills that sports instill.
- Strengthening Community Bonds: Events like Y Dads Matter foster a sense of community and belonging, helping to create a supportive environment for children and families alike.
Support Our Y
Be a Sponsor! Take your support a step further by becoming a sponsor of Y Dads Matter. Sponsorship opportunities are available to help us make this event a success and to ensure that we can continue to support our youth sports programs. Your sponsorship not only benefits the YMCA but also positively impacts the lives of countless children in our community.
Contact Information: For more information on sponsoring the event or to inquire about tickets, please contact Jessie Massey.
Or visit our events page by Clicking Here!
Together, we are creating a stronger, healthier San Joaquin County by celebrating the fathers who make a difference every day.
