Each year, Dr. Billy Earl Dade Middle School in Dallas, Texas, hosts its uplifting “Breakfast with Dads” event, designed to foster meaningful connections between fathers—or father figures—and their students. Many of these kids come from tough, challenging backgrounds, making these moments even more impactful.
This year, however, some students hesitated to sign up—simply because they didn’t have a dad or father figure to invite. Principal Tracie Washington grew concerned, wondering how to make sure every child felt included. Then Kristina Dove, one of the event’s organizers, had a brilliant idea: she reached out on Facebook, asking for volunteers to step in as “dads for a day.” What started as a goal to find 50 men quickly exploded—her post went viral, drawing an incredible 600 volunteers eager to make a difference.
Among them was Archie Nettles, an Army veteran and motivational speaker who believes every boy deserves a mentor and support. When the students walked into the auditorium and saw so many men ready to connect, their faces lit up with surprise and excitement.
The breakfast was more than just a meal—it became a moment of learning and bonding, highlighted by an activity where the men showed the boys how to tie neckties, setting an empowering tone for the day. One student later shared how thrilled he was to gain a new mentor, a sign of the event’s deep impact.
Now, Kristina Dove and her colleague are working hard to keep this incredible group of volunteers engaged in community projects, hoping to inspire similar movements across other cities. Their mission is clear: to remind every child in South Dallas that they are valued, supported, and capable of rising beyond any circumstance.