Fathers matter. That message has been trumpeted across the city of Greenwood in recent months by a number of community organizations working to support dads in being involved and remaining involved in their children’s lives.
Nicole Williams of Josie Foundation for Kids is the latest to organize an event around that theme.
“It’s a Father’s Affair,” a community breakfast for families of all configurations — including those with substitute fathers or grandfathers or absent fathers — will be held next Saturday, July 14, at 10 a.m. in the 900 block of Sgt. Charlie Cooley Avenue.
“This will be an outdoor event with a big buffet breakfast, sack races, watermelon eating, water games and other activities for children, and a short ceremony to kick everything off,” Williams said.
Allen Mitchell, a minister and evangelist with Greater Restoration Church, will speak, and some community leaders, including City Councilman Charles McCoy, will be honored.
Seniors and kids 17 and under will eat free. Others are asked to make a $6 donation to help cover the cost of the event. “We want everyone to come out and support the men in our community,” Williams said.
Volunteers are donating and preparing breakfast.
Williams founded the Josie Foundation for Kids earlier this year in memory of her grandmother, Josephine Meeks. Meeks worked as a custodian for the Greenwood School District. Williams, who grew up in Greenwood, spent her summers with her grandmother planting and harvesting a vegetable garden, fishing and learning what it means to support the community.
In an earlier interview, Williams told the Commonwealth she is inspired to help rebuild the community she has seen change in recent years, especially when it comes to the safety, well-being and security of its children.
“My purpose is to reunite the love, the peace and the unity in our city,” Williams said.
She said that when she thinks back on being a child, she remembers having no worries.
“Now, when kids ride bikes, they have to be focused on whether someone is going to start shooting,” she said.
For tickets to the July 14 event, email nicolewilliams197769@yahoo.com or call 457-0932.
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
