Metropolitan Family Services Hits a Grand Slam with Day with Dad
As the great American pastime, baseball gives sports enthusiasts the chance to rally in support of their favorite team. On June 7, 2009, fans of Metropolitan Family Services joined together at U.S. Cellular Field in support of a different cause: a Day with Dad. This fundraiser, attended by 300 dads and their children and which raised more than $80,000, benefited Metropolitan’s Young Fathers Program and other programs that support healthy parenting.
Day with Dad kicked off with a pre-game, on-field parade around the stadium. Fathers from Metropolitan’s programs, sponsors and supporters participated in the parade. Raffle winner Sam White, age 6, won the top prize of the day and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to throw out the first pitch to White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buerhle.
“You don’t have to favor the White Sox to appreciate this tremendous event for dads, kids and Metropolitan Family Services,” commented event co-chair Bruce Marcus. The event’s second Co-Chair, Warren Baker, agreed that “At the end of the day, what this really comes down to is helping parents strengthen their families.” Lead sponsors include U.S. Cellular, Baker Development and the Bruce and Jeanne Marcus Family.
The Young Fathers program is an initiative which helps young men hampered by criminal records and inadequate education get their lives back on track financially and emotionally. Results include 67 percent of fathers in the program finding jobs over the past three years, and 75 percent of fathers over the past year reporting a significant increase in the amount of time they spend with their children.
About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services provides programs for low-income and working poor families throughout the Chicago area. Metropolitan has seven centers throughout Chicago and the suburbs that offer services to parents, children, youth and seniors. For 150 years, families have been coming to Metropolitan when they have nowhere else to turn.