Every year, Dr. Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas, Texas, hosts a special “Breakfast with Dads” event to encourage fathers and father figures to connect with their students. For many of these kids, this event provides a rare opportunity for support and connection, as many come from challenging backgrounds.
This year, however, Principal Tracie Washington noticed that some students didn’t sign up for the breakfast—because they didn’t have a father or father figure to invite. Concerned, Kristina Dove, who helped organize the event, came up with a creative solution: she posted a call for volunteer “dads” on Facebook. Initially hoping to find 50 volunteers, Kristina’s post quickly went viral and attracted an overwhelming 600 men eager to step in.
One of the volunteers, Archie Nettles, a motivational speaker and Army veteran, felt deeply compelled to support these boys who might not have a dad or mentor. When the students walked into the auditorium and saw hundreds of men standing there, their faces lit up with surprise and excitement. It was a moment of connection and hope.
The breakfast also featured a meaningful activity where the men taught the boys how to tie a necktie—a simple, yet powerful gesture that set the tone for the day. Afterward, one student shared his gratitude, expressing how much it meant to have gained a mentor.
Kristina Dove and her team are now working to keep these 600 volunteers engaged in future community initiatives. Their goal is to inspire similar efforts in other cities and show the children of South Dallas that they are cared for, valued, and capable of achieving greatness, no matter their circumstances.