When 600 Dads Showed Up for Kids Who Had None
At Dr. Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas, Texas, the annual “Breakfast with Dads” event is more than just a morning meal — it’s a powerful tradition meant to connect students with their fathers or father figures. But this year, a troubling reality cast a shadow over the event: several students didn’t sign up because they had no dad to invite.
Principal Tracie Washington was heartbroken. That’s when Kristina Dove, one of the event organizers, had an idea — a bold, hopeful one. She posted a simple request on Facebook, asking for 50 men to volunteer and stand in as father figures for those kids who needed one.
What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.
Her message went viral. Instead of 50, over 600 men from all walks of life showed up — business professionals, veterans, community leaders, and everyday heroes — all ready to show these boys that they mattered.
One of them, Archie Nettles, a motivational speaker and Army veteran, knew how much it meant. “Every child deserves to feel supported,” he said. “Even if that support comes from a stranger who simply cares.”
As students walked into the auditorium that morning, their eyes lit up. Shock turned to smiles, and nervousness gave way to pride. During one activity, the volunteers helped teach the boys how to tie a necktie — a small gesture with big meaning. For many, it was a first. For some, it was unforgettable.
One young student said afterward, “I didn’t just eat breakfast… I found a mentor.”
Since then, Dove and her team have been working hard to keep those men involved in the lives of these kids, launching community efforts and inspiring similar movements in cities across the country. Their goal is clear: to remind the youth of South Dallas — and beyond — that they are seen, they are valued, and their future holds no limits.
