Father’s Day began at a YMCA in Spokane, Wash., with a young woman named Sonora Louise Smart.  She was the daughter of a Civil War veteran, raising his children alone after the death of their mother.  On Mother’s Day in 1909, Sonora heard a sermon honoring mothers and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers.  During a meeting at the Spokane, Wash. YMCA, she shared her concern with ministers. The nation’s first Father’s Day celebration took place at the Spokane Y on June 19, 1910, in William Smart’s birth month.   

“Today, fathers play an enormous role in the lives of their children,” said Bill Markell, Frisco YMCA Executive Director. “We see them daily, acting as coaches, teachers, role models and confidants, and our Y, as a leading community service organization, is totally committed in supporting and reassuring them,” Markell said.

The Frisco YMCA has selected Wes Bowers to be honored as the 2008 Frisco YMCA Father of the Year.  His wife, Vanessa, nominated her husband for this honor.  “He doesn’t miss an opportunity to be with the kids, whether he’s reading their devotionals with them in the evening, throwing ball with our son or going shopping with our daughter.  His greatest pleasure is hanging out with his family.  He’s one of those dads who will try anything:  snowboarding, skateboarding and Frisbee golf.  He’s a big kid at heart,” Vanessa said.

“This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate fathers and reach out to the fathers in your life with a pat on the back,” Markell said.  “When we support parents, we begin to build strong kids and families, strong communities and a strong nation.”

For information on father/child bonding programs such as YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses, contact the YMCA at 972-335-3222 or go to www.friscoymca.org