Maternity Care Coalition (MCC)’s 13th Annual Celebrating Fathers Golf Classic and Driving Fatherhood Awards brought together golfers and supporters of early childhood education. The annual event, held at Talamore Country Club in Ambler, PA, celebrates fathers and raises critical funds for MCC’s Early Head Start (EHS) program. The event was held on Monday, June 19th and honored three outstanding fathers with the Driving Fatherhood award. The Driving Fatherhood award recognizes individuals and/or organizations advancing the role of fatherhood locally, regionally and nationally. The award can be given in four categories: a role model for others, a champion for MCC, a community leader and a leader through sports. Since its founding, more than a dozen men have received this prestigious award. This year, the award was given to Early Head Start Father Jay Tangidy, MCC Board Member Saul Epstein and Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence Jr.
Mr. Tangidy was unfortunately unable to attend, however, Shinika (Nikki) Blue-Pitts and Jessica Smith from our EHS South site accepted the award on his behalf. They have both worked with Mr. Tangidy and spoke about his dedication to being an amazing father to his son and how personable he is with all of the children and staff at the childcare center. In her nomination, Nikki wrote: “Jay is a hard-working, married father of Ezechael. He is greatly involved in his son’s growth and education. He is also a new member to our Policy Council this year. If Jay has extra time you will see him in his son’s class helping the teachers. He attends parent meetings and volunteers so effortlessly. He is a role model and inspiration to other fathers.” Congratulations, Jay, on your award!
Both Mr. Epstein and Commissioner Lawrence were able to attend the award ceremony and spoke on their commitment to supporting early childhood education and maternal health. Mr. Epstein is a long-time friend of MCC having begun service as a Policy Council advisor in 1999. This was Commissioner Lawrence’s first time attending an MCC event, and during his acceptance speech declared his support for our mission and hopes for future collaboration. He is a firm believer in service to others and quoted Muhammad Ali, saying “Service is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Congratulations again to Saul and Ken on your awards!
After the awards ceremony, golfers assembled at their golf carts and hit the course at 11:30am. It was hot (real feel of 100 degrees!), but everyone had a great time on one of the best courses in Montgomery County. At 5:00pm, the golfers convened for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, last minute bids on the silent auction and to await the announcement of the day’s winners!
MCC is extremely grateful for all of our sponsors, event partners, auction and food donors and in-kind supporters for this event. We would like to send a very special thank you to our event committee, especially committee chair Mr. David Dormont. We are grateful for all you have done to support our mission, this event and helping us raise nearly $40,000 to support our Early Head Start program.
We would also like to thank our volunteers who braved the heat to make the event a success. Lauren Orme, a mother of three and Account Manager at West Pharmaceutical Services volunteered at our golf event and has been a supporter of MCC for many years. She was first introduced to our organization by Renie Boudreau who supported her in joining the corporate advisory committee as a way to get more involved with nonprofits. Lauren decided to volunteer at the golf event because it was a family affair. Her Dad, Dennis Hess, was our Golf Pro for the Dad’s Best Shot contest and her Mother, Diane, also volunteered, selling tickets for competitors.
Lauren says of her involvement with us “MCC is a really great cause. The events are great, the support is great and I am happy I can be a part of this [organization].”
If you missed our golf event or would like to relive the day through pictures, please head to our Flickr account by following the link here.
