A group of Fayetteville-Manlius School District dads recently banded together for a good cause.
On April 8, about 30 fathers and guardians of Fayetteville Elementary School students delivered the fourth annual “Dad’s Night” comedy show to an audience of more than 500 guests. Featuring spoofs on school traditions, cameo appearances, musical performances and countless costumes, the event raised $2,011 for the non-profit organization Camp Good Days.
“Four years ago, I shared a small idea with our Home and School Association,” Fayetteville Elementary School Principal Eileen Lux said. “I wondered if the magic I felt years ago when I watched my own father perform on stage [in a school-wide variety show] could continue. The dads of our community took this idea and ran with it.”
Each year, a group of dads whose children attend the F-M elementary school spend months planning the variety show, which is held in the spring at Wellwood Middle School. The participants write their own scripts, put together costumes, and choreograph dance routines. In addition to providing comical entertainment, “Dad’s Night” also aims to help a charitable cause.
During the event, donations are collected for a specific organization that is selected in advance by the show’s coordinators. This year, money was raised for Camp Good Days – a nonprofit organization that offers week-long summer camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs free-of-charge for families who have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.
Fay El dad and event organizer Mark Teaken said the charity was selected because it’s important for everyone to have support and feel like they’re part of a community – especially individuals who are navigating a hardship.
“My wife was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in October [2016] and went through chemotherapy, radiation and eventually surgery – all in Boston,” Mr. Teaken said. “The F-M community rallied around us and provided so much support — from transporting our children around and preparing meals for us, to anything else they could think of. I’m not sure we would have made it through the ordeal if we were living anywhere else.”
Mr. Teaken said the dads participating in this year’s show chose the charity in honor of Mrs. Teaken, whose medical prognosis continues to improve.
“We know that not everyone dealing with cancer in their family, especially those with children, has the support we do,” Mr. Teaken said. “Camp Good Days has great services for families and it’s based right here in Central New York.”
Attendees of last year’s show raised $1,050 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) local chapter.
