If you haven’t already, mark your calendars – Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 17! Did you know the YMCA played an instrumental role in making this day a national holiday? Read the story below to learn more:
Father's Day Begins
In 1909 a young woman named Sonora Smart Dodd heard a Mother's Day sermon at her church in Spokane, Washington and was inspired to propose that fathers receive equal recognition. The following year she took the idea to the Spokane YMCA, where the ministers who worked there made her wish a reality by holding the first ever Father's Day. After that, the idea clearly caught on.
On Sunday we will celebrate this 102-year-old tradition because someone wanted to make a difference in the world and honor someone who impacted her life.
Just like when Dodd reached out and worked with the Y to create a day honoring fathers, our Ys across Middle Tennessee continue to work hard to help make our communities a better place by providing safe places to belong, helping people achieve their fitness goals and providing volunteer opportunities that affect thousands of children, youth and adults across our region.
What you can do today!
As you go through this week, take a minute to think about what your passions are, what you want to bring awareness to or raise awareness and support, and then go do it. Don't hold back. And most of all, know the Y is here with so many different places and opportunities for you to give, belong, and innovate.
We wish all the amazing fathers, grandfathers, and father figures a very happy Fathers Day!
