(Toledo, OH) —Mom’s House of Toledo and Bella Vita Network, in partnership with numerous community organizations, hosted a special Father’s Day Barbecue on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Laurie’s Place, located at 22 N. Westwood Ave., Toledo, Ohio. The event celebrated the powerful role fathers play in strengthening families and building a thriving community. Fathers participating in programs through Mom’s House, Bella Vita Network, and Brothers United, gathered with their families for an evening of food, games, prizes, and fellowship. Participants had the opportunity to enter a raffle for an Apple MacBook Neo.
The highlight of the event was the participation of several respected community leaders and father figures who served as “Celebrity Dads,” firing up the grills, serving food, and acting as positive role models for participating fathers. According to Christina Rodriguez, Executive Director of Mom’s House, “Fatherhood matters, and this event is an opportunity to recognize the men who are making a difference in the lives of their children every day.” Additional community partners included Amazing Athletes, which provided youth activities and an obstacle course; AA Male Wellness; the Toledo Fire Department; Brothers United; and Neighbor to Neighbor, which provided face painting.
Participating “Celebrity Dads” were:
- John Hartenburg, Dad’s Room donor
- Phil Ryburn, Pastor, Declare Church
- John Hobbs, Toledo City Council District 1 and Friend of Mom’s House
- Brandon Fields, Inside the Five Brewing Company and former NFL player
- Dennis Hopson, former Ohio State University and NBA player
- John Jones, HOPE Toledo and co-founder of Dads Matter
- Rodney Eason, community donor and co-founder of Dads Matter
- Matt Killam, Friend of Mom’s House and Metroparks Toledo
- Terry Crosby, Taylor Automotive Family donor and former professional basketball player
- Dr. Mark Krautheim, Mercy Health
Bishop Robert Culp of First Church of God, often referred to as the “Father of Toledo,” served as an honorary participant.
About Mom’s House:
Mom’s House is dedicated to breaking the cycles of poverty and welfare. They empower at-risk single parents to achieve their educational goals while equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to become effective caregivers. Mom’s House is committed to positively impacting the lives of two generations through education and fostering an environment where both parent and child can thrive. For more information, please visit momshousetoledo.org
Mom’s House, Bella Vita Network, y Socios Comunitarios Celebran la Paternidad con una Parrillada Especial por el Día del Padre
(Toledo, OH) —Mom’s House de Toledo y Bella Vita Network, en colaboración con numerosas organizaciones comunitarias, organizaron una parrillada especial por el Día del Padre el martes 16 de junio de 2026, de 16 a 19:00 horas, en Laurie’s Place, ubicado en 22 N. Westwood Ave., Toledo, Ohio. El evento celebró los padres en el fortalecimiento de las familias y la construcción de una comunidad próspera. Los padres que participaban en programas a través de Mom’s House, Bella Vita Network y Brothers United se reunieron con sus familias para una velada de comida, juegos, premios y convivencia. Los participantes tuvieron la oportunidad de participar en una rifa de un Apple MacBook Neo.
El momento culminante del evento fue la participación de varios líderes comunitarios respetados y figuras paternas que actuaron como “Papás Famosos,” encendiendo las parrillas, sirviendo comida y actuando como modelos positivos para los padres participantes. Según Christina Rodríguez, directora ejecutiva de Mom’s House, “La paternidad importa, y este evento es una oportunidad para reconocer a los hombres que están marcando la diferencia en la vida de sus hijos cada día.” Otros socios comunitarios incluyeron Amazing Athletes, que ofrecía actividades para jóvenes y un circuito de obstáculos; Bienestar Masculino de AA; el Departamento de Bomberos de Toledo; Brothers United; y Neighbor to Neighbor, que proporcionó pintura facial.
Los “Padres Famosos” participantes fueron:
1. John Hartenburg, donante de Dad’s Room
2. Phil Ryburn, Pastor, Declare Church
3. John Hobbs, Distrito 1 del Ayuntamiento de Toledo y amigo de la casa de mamá
4. Brandon Fields, Dentro de la Five Brewing Company y exjugador de la NFL
5. Dennis Hopson, exjugador de la Universidad Estatal de Ohio y de la NBA
6. 
John Jones, HOPE Toledo y cofundador de Dads Matter
7. Rodney Eason, donante comunitario y cofundador de Dads Matter
8. Matt Killam, amigo de la casa de mi madre y Metroparks Toledo
9. Terry Crosby, donante de la familia de Taylor Automotive y exjugador profesional de baloncesto
10. Dr. Mark Krautheim, Mercy Health
El obispo Robert Culp, de la Primera Iglesia de Dios, fue conocido como el “Padre de Toledo” honorario.
Sobre Mom’s House:
Mom’s House está dedicada a romper los ciclos de pobreza y bienestar social. Empoderan a los padres solteros alcanzar sus objetivos educativos, con herramientas y recursos necesarios para convertirse en cuidadores eficaces. Mom’s House está comprometida con un impacto positivo en la vida de dos generaciones a través de la educación y la creación de un entorno donde padres como hijos puedan prosperar. Para más información, por favor visite momshousetoledo.org