Travis County Commissioners Court
June 2, 2009,
Item 6
Number six -- our final resolution and proclamation, number six, approve resolution recognizing the ninth annual father's day parade and fiesta sponsored by the river city youth foundation.
>> let me go ahead and read the resolution.
whereas the fathers of our community are a precious resource and play a vital role in the well-being of our children and their future and the future of our community, whereas river center youth foundation has been instrumental in producing the collaborated community event, the annual father's day parade and fiesta.
and whereas father's day parade and fiesta aims to increase the positive involvement of fathers in their children's lives to foster success in school, personal growth, good citizenship and a brighter future.
whereas river city youth foundation fathers active in communities and education, faith and amer ra group corporation on the radio, 107.1.
104.3, new york life and Austin independent school district are sponsoring the ninth annual father's day rally and fiesta on Sunday, June the 7th, 2009 that would include fathers and kids bonding games, food and plenty of family fun.
and whereas the student winners of the dad essay contest will be announced.
now therefore be it resolved that the Travis County Commissioners court does here by declare Sunday June 7, 2009 as father's day parade and fiesta day in Travis County, Texas.
be it further resolved that we salute the river city youth foundation for their collaborative efforts and their commitment to the better.
of our and the future of our youth and families.
and I move approval.
>> second.
morning.
>> good morning.
i'm the executive director for the river city youth foundation.
we're delighted to be here this morning.
and as most of you know, the mission of river city foundation is to help dove springs youth and families to live safe, healthy and prosperous lives.
and we focus our efforts in the dove springs area.
we're excited because this is the ninth annual -- I came to you here, you know, nine years ago and told you about a new idea that we had about doing the parade and the fathers event.
and here we are positioning ourselves now for what is going to become a national model and getting ready for the 10th annual, which is going to be next year.
this year we are being sponsored by univision in all its glory and they are bringing out the folks, and especially the latino community.
so we expect a very, very big turnout this year.
and we're encouraging everyone to preregister at 440-1111, extension 18.
and we're encouraging you to come out and visit and have a good time.
and especially witness the power of a small group of people that are committed to making sure that this community really, truly values dads and dad role models.
not only in the home, but in schools and also in the community itself.
with me today we have members of a very, very hard-working event planning committee without whom this could not happen.
and they've been meeting regularly.
they've been working out the bugs of getting this kind of a citywide event going.
today we have with us a representative.
you know him, big a, al almanza is here, a former owe olympian.
and he's been honored also in the u.t.
longhorn hall of fame.
for us he's just big a and he makes great hot dogs at the event.
but big a is also here representing new york life where he has spent a lifetime career there.
so we're very happy to have him here.
we're also joined by folks here from the faith community.
you know, dad role models come in different shapes and sizes and responsibilities.
and we have here pastor larry.
pastor larry bowls is here with us, and he has a home for young men, so he is their father figure.
we think that it's important to convey that to the children, and the community that come out here to the event.
don't hold back because you don't have a dad.
bring your dad role model with you.
that may be your tio, that may be your uncle, but someone in your life hopefully is serving as a dad role model.
also with us today I have here our wonderful staff from river city youth foundation, emily chen with the summer of safety program.
and also we have henry (indiscernible), who is our program manager, familiar face to you because he serves on the health commission.
and also we have tiffany mott smith all the way from michigan.
she has been my -- my wonderful, wonderful assistant in getting this event planned.
so we are going to hear just a few words from big a.
>> I have been working with mona and river city youth foundation for the last 20 years.
it's been a real pleasure.
she's a hard working young lady.
i have -- I completed 40 years with new york life on June the 1st.
that made us eligible throughout the years, being an agent and active in the community, especially with river city youth foundation, allow us to submit proposals to the new york life and throughout the years they have been giving us -- one year we're eligible for 5,000.
the next year it's a thousand.
and it just keeps rolling.
we have been very fortunate.
but guess what?
this year they told us that we needed to apply again, and the biggest surprise, we were granted $25,000 by the new york life insurance company.
you know, the home office is in new york, and for them to realize that there's other very important organizations around the country, and it's a real honor to be chosen one of 10 throughout the united states.
and this money that comes from the county, the city and the donations and new york life, that's because of the staff.
she works 48 hours a day, and this allows us to at least cut down to 24 hours a day.
>> [ laughter ] I want to thank you for all your support throughout the years, and we look forward to working with you, and thank you so much.
>> thank all of you for your commitment.
>> we're truly humbled by the response that we're getting from the community.
we are getting calls from all over the city and even globally.
>> great.
>> there are other countries that are suffering the same kinds of juvenile justice issues that we're experiencing in the united states and here in Travis County.
and you know, they need a solution to their problems too.
and one of the solutions is dads, pick up your role.
do what you were called to do.
be responsible for your families.
be responsible for your children.
and do something that it's recession proof.
saying I love you doesn't cost anything.
and after we talk with so many kids, that's what they want to know is that you love them.
so we want to encourage you, not just to come out, but to spread the word all over this beautiful nation.
thank you so much.
>> thank you so much as well.
>> thank you.
>> all in favor?
that passes by unanimous vote.
keep up the good work.
>> thank you.
>> [ applause ]
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Last Modified:
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 2:00 PM