The Funding Fathers
Great Dads Coming Together for a Great Cause
Who are the Funding Fathers?
These 11 dads were chosen for their commitment to their families and the community. They will have until the middle of August to fundraise. They will be doing virtual spots, fun events, securing sponsors and asking friends to support their campaigns. The dad who raises the most will be crowned The Father Figure.
What and Where is The Father Figure?
The Father Figure is the Relationship Foundation of Virginia’s signature event honoring the Funding Fathers. On August 28th, 2021 from 7-11pm at The Diamond, we will come together to celebrate our great dads, amazing volunteers and great corporate partners. We will also announce the winner of the title, The Father Figure!
MIKE BOONE
My kids will tell you, I am definitely the COOLEST dad they know. Just kidding, just kidding - but I really do try. I've been Iron Man, an inflatable T-Rex, a zombie, and finally Kristoff (from Frozen) for Halloween...so yeah, I aspire to be a good father, just like the one that raised me. My wife, Kasey, is the ringleader of this circus, and I am so lucky to do life (and business) with her. As owners of our team Boone Residential at EXP Realty, she calls me "the talent" and herself "the brains" - which I won't argue. Our three kids - Benton (9), Chloe (7), and Fischer (1) - are constantly teaching me how to be a better human, and I look forward to being able to teach them how to pay it forward!
Donate to Mike!
MARK BOWEN
Family has always been my top priority in my life, emphasized from my Grandparents and my Parents, and now with me as not only a father to my daughter, Allyson, but also a stepdad to my wife Jennifer’s grown children, Tyler and Madisen. Our family is crazy, fun-loving, but most of all full of love for each other. For the past 6 years, I have been the Marketing and Operations Manager for Westchester Commons, giving me a platform to enhance not only customers’ shopping experiences, but also to give back to a variety of local non-profits raise funds and friends. I am a Board Member of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, a proud JMU Duke alumnus, a bonified Disney fanatic, and was once a ring announcer for professional wrestling. Out of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of being a great father to Allyson.
Donate to Mark!
JEFF CROOK
I am the devoted husband to my lovely wife, Katelyn, (14 years) and father to two great kids, Madeline (11) and Harrison (8). We enjoy all that Richmond has to offer and spend lots of time around youth sports – soccer, baseball, basketball and swimming. I love coaching the kids and their friends to help improve their craft. In the summer, you’ll see us at our neighborhood pool club, Ridge Top Recreation, spending time and having fun with neighborhood families. I have some good role models in my Dad, Russ, and my father-in-law, Jed, who have shown me all the responsibility and fun that goes along with being a good Dad. Professionally, I’m a Commercial Banker with Village Bank, where we do important work for our clients. This has shown through, in particular, throughout the pandemic. I am delighted and eager to support RFVA, which serves a very important role for Virginia Families.
Donate to Jeff!ANTHONY DUNCAN
In my bio picture you will see all the best parts of me. My wonderful wife, PJ, who despite all my best efforts, makes me a better man everyday. My oldest son, Hudson, who brings love and laughter into my heart like I've never felt before. My youngest, Hendrix, who keeps us all on our toes and expanded the capacity of love in my heart to a point I didn't think possible. I consider myself the luckiest man on earth to call this crazy crew my family. Everything is for them. I am extremely proud to work for Ambu, a medical device company that's core value is patient safety. When not working you'll find me on the trail, trying to consider myself an Ultra trail runner, or with my family doing one of the following; playing baseball, grilling out, biking, hiking, gardening, or getting ourselves into mischief around the neighborhood. I was honored and humbled when asked to join the 2020 class and I can only hope I can reach the bar Ja Martin set before me. He introduced me to this amazing organization and I'm inspired by his dedication.
Donate to Anthony!
BARRY FARMER
A Richmond native, I grew up in kinship care with my grandmother. For 16 years I worked in the education field inside and outside the classroom. At age 20, I became a foster father with a local therapeutic agency. At age 22, I adopted my oldest son. Three years later, I adopted my two younger sons, making me a proud father of three amazing young men. Fatherhood has been such an unexpected blessing in my life. Over the past 11 years, I’ve taken pride in knowing that I could be a consistent figure in my son's lives. Today, as a single father, I’m a spokesman for Adopt Us Kids and a foster care/adoption advocate. I am also a Speaker, Mentor, the Creator/Administrator of one of the largest online support groups for Foster Care/Adoptive families and the host of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy, a nationally syndicated radio show based in RVA. With my show, I enjoy connecting with individuals from across the country, giving them a platform to share their stories and life’s work. I hope to make my mark on helping other fathers this year through my partnership with RFVA.
Donate to Barry!
ANDREW GILLESPIE
I’m a newbie dad and loving every second of it! Our beautiful daughter, Clara James, joined us in Spring 2020 and we feel blessed every single day. Of course, we couldn’t do it without my wonderful wife Amanda, who has taken on the challenge of staying home with Clara daily. In 2006, it was love at first sight on the doorstep of our freshman dorm building at Virginia Tech. After 4 years in Blacksburg, a move to RVA seemed like a good option and we’ve been here ever since. The furry guy in the picture is Toast (named after our favorite RVA restaurant). He’s a true companion and his relationship with Clara is growing stronger every day, especially around Clara’s mealtime with constant floor scraps. When I’m not at home with the family, you can find me serving clients of my wealth management firm started in 2015 or catch me on stage tickling the ivories. I’m blessed for the opportunity and I couldn’t do it without my brilliant team members and the rock of my life, Amanda. Out of all lifetime goals, being a great father figure to the family is #1. Every day is a learning experience, and I hope to make my mark on helping other fathers this year with my partnership with RFVA.
Donate to Andrew!
KYLE HAWKE
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio by loving parents who have now been married for 47 years, I made a trip down I-81 to JMU. It was there that I met my wonderful wife Krystal. Our first son Brady, who just turned 10, taught us what it means to be a parent. Our middle child, Lucy, is 6. She inherited my desire to break the rules and be bold... for which I absolutely love her. Our youngest, Alex, is 4 and is turning into his own person. He has an incredible zest for the little things in life. With my parents plus my wife and three kids, I realize I am incredibly blessed. And I also recognize that not every child is so fortunate. For this reason, I want to do my part to help the RFVA help other fathers and children find their own blessings.
Donate to Kyle!
JEFF KATZ
In my eighth year as WRVA’s afternoon drive talent, the Jeff Katz show continues to dominate the market in ratings/revenue. My program appeals to listeners across the political spectrum with former Governor Doug Wilder joining me in the same week as Senator Ted Cruz. I am very proud of my humanitarian efforts. I have repeatedly received The President’s Award for Volunteer Service. I serve on the Hanover County Community Services Board and am the Mayor of Beaverdam. I also serve on the Board for The Friendship Circle which serves disabled Virginians like my daughter. I donate my time to Childrens’ Hospital of Richmond, Virginia Medical Reserve Corps and now RFVA. I've been named a “Hometown Hero” by Allen & Allen and received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. The readers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch voted my show as the Best Local Afternoon Radio Show. I have been married to Heidi for 22 years and we live in Hanover County. We are the proud parents of Harry, a sophomore at Stanford University, Julia who is a special needs student at Patrick Henry High School and Joe who is a sophomore at PHHS.
Donate to Jeff!AARON OWENS
I am a 26 year old Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Business Owner of a local pest control company, U.S. Pest Control. I was born and raised in Richmond, VA and currently reside here. My wife and I met during our high school years and graduated together in 2012. We continued our relationship and tied the knot. Our son, Landon Owens was born on August 1, 2019. He is the perfect addition to our family and keeps us balanced, continuing to provide us with so much purpose. I am proud to say that being a father is my greatest accomplishment yet and everyday I am grateful to walk in the door to a smiling face after a long day. To be a part of this amazing group of dads is another great accomplishment that I am proud to be a part of.
Donate to Aaron!
ASHBY PRICE
I am a native of Richmond, business owner, music aficionado, husband, father of two (ages 9 and 13), and stepfather of one (age 8) in a “Brady Bunch” family living in a fittingly Brady-esque, mid-century modern home. Being a father has been the most rewarding, yet challenging, adventure of my life—one that I look forward to navigating as my children develop and as I continue to grow with them. I was raised in a family-centric environment where I received unconditional love and support, regardless of how immature my actions (or inactions) were or how much of a challenge I was. This upbringing has influenced my approach to raising my children. My goal as a father has been to carry on what I learned from my parents, grandparents, and other loved ones and establish a well-rounded foundation for my children built on respect, gratitude, intellect, accountability, and integrity. Thank you to the RFVA for including me in such great company with current and prior Funding Fathers.
Donate to Ashby!
CJ SWEAT
There have been three monumental moments in my life. 1. The day Christ saved me. 2. The day my wife agreed to put up with me forever. 3. The day my son entered the world. Each moment brought a different perspective and an immeasurable amount of love. As a family, we enjoy reading, dancing, road trips, cooking, and Liberty Flames football. During the day, I help families with the most important financial decision of their life, buying a home. Being a mortgage loan officer has allowed me to serve people as they experience their own monumental moments. My greatest heroes are my parents. As the oldest of five kids, I was their guinea pig. While imperfect, they loved (and continue to love) us unconditionally. They both remain a constant source of wisdom and comfort. I realize that I am fortunate to have grown up with such incredible parents. It is an honor serving among a great group of dads, to restore family values in our community.
Donate to CJ!
37th PARALLEL PROPERTIES
Chad Doty and Dan Chamberlain are proud dads excited to once again be supporting Richmond's only event honoring great fathers in our community. We are very lucky to have 37th Parallel Properties as a signature sponsor for The Father Figure for the past 6 years.
TK Promotions- 2021 Corporate Partner of the Year
RFVA is proud to recognize TK Promotions as their 2021 Corporate Partner of the Year. Thanks to this company, we are able to be the best branded nonprofit in VA. From shirts & jackets to hand sanitizer & face masks, the staff at TK promotions kept us safe and looking great all last year!
Craig Campbell- 2021 Volunteer of the Year
During the pandemic, we had to move all of our classes to virtual. Anytime we had a Boot Camp for New Dads, Craig was there to volunteer as Boot Camp Coach. In 2020, he taught more Boot Camp classes than any other person. In addition to volunteering, he sits on RFVA's Community Advisory Board. Craig is the epitome of RFVA's mission as a strong father and loving husband. We are pleased to recognize him as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year.
Thanks to the 2021 Sponsors of The Father Figure
