Yasmin Young Salutes Dana Moore, Today’s Father Friday Honoree!
Dads often don't get the credit or love that they deserve, which is why Yasmin Young of the 2 To 6 Takeover started Father Friday! It's time for the great dads in Buffalo and WNY to get some recognition! Meet our current honoree, Dana Moore!
At the end of each month, each of the Fathers will be entered into a random drawing to win a limited edition pair of Ray Bans from Dr. Beyer! Dr. Beyer Opticals - for a look that’s on fire, you gotta call Dr. Beyer! 646-EXAM!
Dr. Beyer’s Value Vision Buffalo:
3035 Genesee St.
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) 896-3351
Dr. Beyer’s Baker Optical
7900 Buffalo Ave
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Meet August 11th's Dad, Dana Moore!!
Dana was nominated by his 16-year-old daughter, Tatiana! She says, "I just met my dad when I was 12 and this my first time living with him for 11 months now the bond we have is so amazing I love him and thank God everyday for him!!" Better late than never, keep being a great dad to Tati!!
Meet August 4th's Dad, Matthew Ahr!!
Matthew is the father of 2 kids, Kadan (8 years old) & Lily (4 years old). He was nominated by his wife Heather, who says "I am nominating my husband for his dedication and fighting spirit. He has put what he wants aside and put his family first.
A) He has made a 6 hour trip at least every other weekend, out of state then back, to pick his son up. For awhile it was an 8-9 hour trip. Unless there is a physical reason, he doesn't let his emotions or schedule stop him from making sure he is present in our, but his son's life.
B) Our daughter, at 10 months old, was diagnosed with severe retinoblastoma. We had noticed a white glow in pictures, and finally she was blind in one eye. This cancer grows quickly, her left eye was removed, and there were many scares that it was in her brain or her spine. We never knew how it would end up. This involved trips to Philadelphia as well as driving to get Kadan in Meadville, PA then Columbus, OH. He would almost always insist on doing the driving. He would remember all the details, to the point of calling out staff if something was mixed up. She is doing very well today. He did his best to make sure I was able to get through my low points, stepping up when I was having a severe panic attack at the end. He pushed through any tension and works on making sure Kadan doesn't feel he has a broken home. He makes our daughter feel powerful. He encourages me.
He is a genuine fighter for his kids and me. If there is a kid who looks up to him, he makes sure to include them and be a father figure. He is determined and a prayerful, faithful, loving person. I couldn't want a better husband and father to our kids.Currently we moved to Pittsburgh for all the driving we do, but we will always represent Buffalo. (Don't worry, he is still raising Buffalo Bills/Sabres Fans in the Pitt." Keep being an amazing father Matthew!!!
Meet July 28th's Dad, Demetrius Bradley!!
Demetrius is dad to 4 children, Zy'Dan-5, Zyaah'-3, Zy'Layaah-2 and Zy'Lynn 7-months! He was nominated by Brittany , who says "Demetrius is the true definition of a 365 Father. From working 40+ hours a week, to cooking, cleaning and helping me with laundry, to helping raise the kids, attending doctors appointments when I'm not available! He deserves a Happy Father's Day everyday! He is the best to walk this Earth. I wanna thank him for taking on this role at 28-years-old. We wanna let him know we love and appreciate him. He has raised the bar high for the young fathers of our generation. Shout out to our king of the castle!" Keep being a great dad D!!
Meet July 21st's Dad, Anthony Cook!!
Anthony is the father of 2 children, a 16-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son! Christina , who nominated him says, "He is such an amazing father to our 2 children,I couldn't ask for a better man to raise our children with. He works tirelessly to provide for them and spends as much time as he can with his family..he is the true definition of a dad!!" Today, we salute Anthony for being a great dad!!
Meet July 14th's Dad, Shawntel Shields!!
Shawntel is the father of two children, Summer Shields, 4-years-old and Shawntel Shields Jr., 2-months. Tasha, the mother of his children says, "Shawntel is hard working and a dedicated father! He always make sure his kids come first an both kids have everything they could want an need. He does whatever it takes to put a smile on their face!" We see you Shawntel!! Keep being a great daddy!
Meet July 7th's Dad, Warren Hawthorne!!
Warren is dad to three children, Jaysen 13, Trinty 9 and Elliott 2! Warren was nominated by Cynthia who says, "When I met him he was a single dad of a little girl name Trinity who was 4 at that time (now 9), and I was a single mom of an 8-year-old name Jaysen (now 13). Without any hesitation Warren took on the role as Jaysen’s father. He makes sure that he is there at all of Jaysen’s basketball games, footballs games for the tears the good & bad moments. For Trinity’s Cheerleading practices and school performances. He motivates them and teaches them the power of God, the power of love, and the power of loving others, even if they are not your blood. He is a role model to all of our children. We now have a two year old together, and well let’s just say our little Elliott is a 'Daddy’s Boy'. I could not ask for a better father for our children." Keep being an AMAZING dad Warren!
Meet June 30th's Dad, Gerald Mallory Jr.!!!
Gerald is dad to 4 children ages 16 (which is not his, he helps take care of another man's child but the father is in the child's life also) 12, 11 and 4! He was nominated by Kelly Best, who says, "Gerald has been thru so much as a father, he's been there 4 all of the children from the very start. He has been thru so much ever since the passing of his brother last year. He deserves whatever award that you guys have for that!" We salute you Gerald!!
Meet June 23rd's Dad, Earl Shepherd!!
Earl is dad to 7 children, ages 28, 24, 23, 22, 20, 13 and 4! "Earl took on four children and I at a very hard time in our lives then my children where 5/4/3/and 1 and he had a daughter of his own and a few years later he decided he wanted to keep us for ever. Then we took in two children from the family and made them part of our family and he loves all of these children like they were his I used to pray for the perfect man they say God may not give you what you want when you want it but he will give you what you need although he is not perfect he was what my family and I needed every day I know that we where and are blessed."
Meet June 9th's Dad, Richard Smith!!
Richard is dad to a 28-year-old daughter named Ebony, who nominated him. Eb says, "My dad is awesome sauce! He spent 16 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, came home 10 years ago and has been working in the espestice field until about a year ago when he got hurt in a car accident. I can count on my dad for anything and even with all his hard times he helps any and every one (He never sits down)! He deserves the world and its his time to shine!! Plus he is very handsome.. Lol" Keep being an amazing dad to your daughter, especially after being apart for so long!
Meet June 2nd's Dad, Carlo LaRussa!!
Carlo was nominated by his wife Kimberly, who he shares a son with. She said, "My husband, Carlo LaRussa, is the best father I've ever seen. He puts our son first and never questions it. He was up for a job that he's been waiting 10 years to get by working his way up the ladder, and he declined it for now so he could spend more time with our son. He's selfless, hardworking, and sweet. He makes our son laugh and smile each and every day and the two of them are inseparable. I couldn't have asked for a better dad for my son and it's such a joy to see the unconditional love they have for each other. Every day is a new adventure for them!" Keep being an amazing dad!!