NEW YORK, NY, February 21, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The 2nd Annual Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance, held Saturday, February 7, for fathers and their daughters at Landmark on the Park, 160 Central Park West, N.Y. was a magical evening. Hosted by the Real Dads Network, Proud Poppa Magazine and Family Images Inc., the affair was a huge success.
The dynamics of the evening was unmistakable. As fathers escorted their beautifully adorned daughters into the magnificent neo-gothic main hall, the candlelit ambience took on a life of its own. The room quickly transformed with the energy, laughter, smiles and pleasantries such an occasion suggests. Even more apparent was the powerful stance and positive accomplishment that each father made that evening as real dads and proud poppas.
"The progression of responsible fatherhood is steadily rising to the challenge," stated Derek Phillips, lead organizer and executive director/founder of the Real Dads Network. "Many of the fathers who came this year with their daughters are second timers to the Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance. The fact that we nearly doubled our attendance lends credence that the dynamics in the movement has indeed shifted and a force to be reckoned with. Responsible and active fathers are now using their outside voice!"
In honor and reverence for the journey of our new Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama, Phillips presented retired NBA player and community activist Allan Houston with the acclaimed Obama Award at this year's event. This distinction is in recognition of Mr. Houston's positive fatherhood image and the responsible stewardship he continues to display for children and the community.
Described as displaying quiet leadership, Houston humbly accepted the honor accompanied by his oldest daughter, Remi. Proud dad of a new baby daughter, Houston openly shared, "As the father of four, three of which are girls, it appears that I will be attending this event for many years to come." He continued, "I was blessed with a remarkable father growing up. He set the stage for the type of man, father and husband I needed to be and continually strive towards. This award touches me deeply, beyond measure."
A spokesperson for the National Fatherhood Initiative, Houston is a man of faith and strong family values. He lives his life with a determination to utilize his success as a professional athlete to help others. His dedication is also demonstrated through the exciting working of his Legacy Foundation, which is currently working with a variety of community and corporate partners to empower and serve the needs of young people. The Foundation's original programming includes the "Father Knows Best" Basketball Retreat, a weekend event that combines high-powered basketball with life-skills for fathers/mentors and their sons/mentees.
During the program, fathers and daughters were serenaded by a special song selection from 14-year-old rising star, Najiyah Threatt, who was discovered by soul/rocker Nona Hendryx. She also led the fathers in an original sing-along of a song off her debut album, titled "Believe in You." In addition, Lakai Worrell, co-executive artistic director of Purelements: An Evolution in Dance and student mentee, Satomi Smith, performed a beautifully choreographed original tribute that uniquely edified the father and daughter bond. Though confirmed, Priscilla "P.Star" Diaz, talented lead actress of the new children's television series, The Electric Company, unfortunately did not attend due to sudden illness. She sent regrets.
Planning for the 3rd Annual Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance has already commenced. "Save-the-date" notification will be announced soon. The Real Dads Network is committed to Making Connections One Dad at a Time by helping to strengthen and re-build families, promote active and necessary participation of dads in their children's lives, and most of all vocalize the fact these fathers are truly "accounted for and present."
Specials recognition goes out to the sponsors and supporters of the 2nd Annual Daddy Daughter Valentine's Dance: Madison Square Gardens/New York Knicks, radio station (sponsor) 98.7 KISS FM, Keith Honeywell, Children's Aid Society, Medgar Evers College—Male Development Empowerment Center, New York State Fatherhood Initiative, STRIVE East Harlem Employment Services, Real Men Cook, Landmark on the Park, Spoonbread, Thabiti Boone, Nicole Duncan-Smith, family and friends.
For additional information on the Real Dads Network organization and future events, visit http://www.therealdadsnetwork.com, email Derek Phillips at dphillips@realdadsnetwork.com or call 212-875-7725. For media inquires and interviews, contact Chandra McQueen, Moona Public Relations LLC at cmcqueen@moonapr.com or (732) 684-3422. Visit http://www.AllanHoustonFoundation.org regarding the Allan Houston Foundation programs.
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