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REAL DADS NETWORK PRESENTS 4th ANNUAL
A Week-Long Celebration Of Father’s Day |
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| Derek Phillips Executive Director |
NEW YORK, NY (May 18, 2011) – Today, Executive Director, Derek Phillips, Real Dads™ Network, Inc. (RDN), announced its 4th Annual Celebration of Father’s Week. Believing that honoring fathers requires more than one day a year, Real Dads Network presents its week-long city-wide engagement to recognize and celebrate the important role that fathers play in the healthy development of children, family, and community. Support from the community has increased exponentially over the past three years. Each year, fathers, families, and the entire community benefit from the positive, uplifting activities “In Celebration” has in store. Seeing positive fathers engaged and having fun ignites hope for the future.
“I believe it is the responsibility of all of us to lead our children and our communities but men and fathers, in particular, have a crucial hand in ensuring that the health of our community extends beyond the next generation,” said Phillips. “I am thrilled that our Annual Celebration of Fathers Week is unprecedented in delivering resources and tangible tools of empowerment to fathers. We thank our sponsor, Avi Oster, for helping us realize our mission for a fourth year,” he continued.
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Oster is the principal of Oster Properties, a family-owned real estate management and development company that purchases, develops, and owns shopping centers and residential and hospitality properties throughout the tri-state area. An avid philanthropist, he is a staunch supporter of RDN's advocacy for greater involvement of fathers, recognizing the positive influence his own father has had on his life, outlook, and career.
The kick-off begins at 1 p.m. on Sat. June 4 with a “Fathers & Children Picnic” co-hosted by Assemblyman William Scarborough at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, Queens. This free event, with an expected attendance of over 300, will honor every father with a “Real Dad” certificate; making it one of the largest group award ceremonies for fathers in the country. Food, games, music, and entertainment will include the NY Triple SSS All-Star Basketball Team. The picnic is free with registration at: registration.
Assemblyman Scarborough has been a committed RDN supporter for years, having initiated a New York State Legislature Proclamation recognizing the organization's work on behalf of increasing father involvement. He was a co-host at last year's “In Celebration” kick-off event at York College in Queens.
“I am very proud to again partner with Read Dads Network as they celebrate Fathers Week in New York,” said Assemblyman Scarborough. RDN and this celebration in particular, highlight the extreme importance of fathers being involved in their children's lives regardless of the status of the relationship with the mother. Many of the negative social ills in our society are exacerbated by the lack of a father figure.”
At The Harlem School of the Arts at 8 p.m. on Sat. June 11 Kraal (Kayo) Charles will perform “Growing Up Daddy: A One Man Play,” a semi-autobiographical work combining poetry, Hip-Hop, and humor directed by Leslie "ButtaFlySoul" Taylor. Tickets are $20 at here or call (800)-838-3006. Net proceeds from all ticket sales benefit RDN.
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The culminating event, on Sun. June 12 is the RDN’s 2011 Scholarship and Awards Dinner, which honors fathers from various professional and community institutions who have had a positive impact on a large number of fathers and children. Each year, a college-bound male receives a $1,000 scholarship. In conjunction with the Pan Hellenic Council of Greater New York, this year’s awardees include, CEO, Children’s Aid Society, Richard Beury (Community Father Award); “Open Line,” KISS-FM, team members (Media Fatherhood Award); and Program Director, Youth at Risk, Kirk Francis (Fatherhood Organization Award). Additional awards will be announced, including the “Real Dad” Awards presented by fraternal organizations. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Broad Street Ballroom. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.RealDadsNetwork.com or on the Real Dads Network Facebook fan page.
Originating as an outgrowth of the award-winning “Real Dads – Black Men on Fatherhood” documentary, co-produced and co-directed by RDN’s founder, with commentary from the late Ossie Davis, Phillips created the all-volunteer organization to fill the unequivocal need for fathers to share their stories and provide a centralized resource where men could not only get information but, share it as well. In addition to the Celebration of Fathers Week, RDN produces another signature event, the “Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Dance,” providing an opportunity for a dad and his daughter (or daughters) to get dressed up, dance, have dinner, talk, and share a memorable evening with other fathers and their daughters.
A full schedule of events for Real Dads Network 4th Annual Celebration of Fathers Week can be found at www.RealDadsNetwork.com
About Avi Oster
Avi Oster is the principal of Oster Properties, a real estate management and development company, which purchases, develops, and owns shopping centers and residential and hospitality properties throughout the tri-state area. He has also ventured successfully in the fashion arena, most recently collaborating with Nolcha Fashion Week, one of New York’s premiere platforms for top designers in the industry, and with Stephen Seo, the modern bespoke brand specializing in stylish, custom-tailored clothing for men and women. Stephen Seo is the exclusive designer for the principal cast members of HBO’s comedy-drama Entourage.
About Real Dads Network, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Real Dads Network, Inc. (RDN) is an action-oriented networking organization, dedicated to strengthening the institution of fatherhood. Through its activities and events, and committed volunteers of dads, father figures, and male role modes, RDN provides information and opportunities to positively promote and improve the lives of fathers. RDN publishes, Real Dads News, a free monthly online newsletter, which promotes positive stories and images of fathers and men. Visit www.RealDadsNetwork.com for more information.
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**Editors Note: See full schedule attached. Limited media credentials are available for accredited media interested in event coverage, interviews, photos, and videography. Please email your request to media@precisionpluscommunications.**