June 10, 2005 – This Wednesday the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands will hold its sixth annual Father’s Night Out to help dads throughout the territory celebrate the importance of fatherhood.
Instead of holding one large event, Father’s Night Out is a series of get-togethers sponsored by individual men. "Some groups are as small as three, some as large as 20," said CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown.
The foundation offers free discussion guides, entitled "Ten Tips for Fathers," and free T-shirts to fathers participating in the groups. Baecher-Brown said this year CFVI ordered a record-high 500 T-shirts because last year’s demand was so high.
Father’s Night Out began at the same time as CFVI’s children’s camp, Baecher-Brown said. "We thought it was important for the community to look at the importance of men in our families and our community."
Baecher-Brown adds that celebrating responsible fatherhood is especially important given the "alarming number of households with no father present."
Baecher-Brown then noted that a fatherhood group of about 15 men began meeting on St. John shortly after the first Father’s Night Out six years ago.
"They do outings with fathers and children," Baecher-Brown said, noting that mothers are not allowed. "It’s a time for kids to hang out with their dads."
Any man who wants to organize a Father’s Night Out event can pick up T-shirts along with the "Ten Tips for Fathers" guides at the foundation’s office. Please call beforehand to request the number and sizes of T-shirts needed.
For more information or to request T-shirts, call 774-6031.
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