To the Editor,

I am writing to share some really good news. On June 16, nearly 500 people gathered at the Pembroke Recreation Complex to celebrate fathers as “heroes of the home” at the Fatherhood Rally 2012. The theme was “Let’s Make Us Whole”.

The event was a community collaborative effort hosted by the Native American Interfaith Ministries/Healing Lodge and co-hosted by the UNC Pembroke Healthy Start CORPS. The planning committee would like to thanks sponsors Robeson County Board of Commissioners, Pembroke True Value Hardware, Lumbee Guaranty Bank, First Bank, LRDA, BereaBaptist, Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, First Choice Insurance and Realty, UNC Pembroke for donating the stage and many more for helping make this event a huge success.

Thanks also to state Rep. Charles Graham, who offered comments while families enjoyed a cookout and face painting and rides for the kids. Community health educators Smart Start, Guardian Ad Litem, Healthy Start and the Healing Lodge provided a variety of literature. Live music was provided by local artists Heart Song, Fireset, Rudy, Page, and Haley Freeman and Pam and Velton Jacobs.

Union Chapel Holiness Methodist Church won the award for turning out the most men from one church. Recognition was given to the family of the late Sam Butler for his contributions to the community as fire chief. The highlight of the day was when more than 40 men who stood before the crowd and took the fatherhood pledge.

This was a momentous day and a worthy occasion that we hope will continue to inspire the hearts of all fathers as we look forward to even larger attendance in years to come. Fathers are truly important to family and community health.

Veronica Kay Freeman

Director

Healthy Start

UNC Pembroke