Contact: Mike Zipko 651-269-8756
mike@zipkostrategy.com

A celebration that has its roots in St. Paul is expanding to 40+ cities around the world in 2017
Fathers Eve: Making the night before Father’s Day a new way
to help dads connect with others to make an impact.

• John Francis, founder of Fathers Eve, would love the opportunity to discuss and answer questions about his story, how Fathers Eve started in Minnesota, why it is expanding, and what it means to be able to bring dads together.  
• We can also connect you with representatives from The Father Project and the At Home Dad Network – two organizations that Fathers Eve in Saint Paul MN is supporting
• Representatives from 2017 Fathers Eve events in other cities are also available to talk about their event, why they are starting this year, and what connects them together

About Fathers Eve
Started in a three car garage in Saint Paul in 2012, a group of friends who, like many, struggled to stay connected with each other decided to use the night before Father’s Day as a way to spend time together.  The friends were all now dads and the time together quickly focused around how each was doing raising their kids and supporting their families.  They talked with each other about how to be a better father, shared ideas as to what did and did not work well with growing children.
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In 2013 the night expanded to include more friends who had different connections to each other but shared the same commitment to wanting to be better dads.  As the conversations expanded, the original group of dad-volunteers realized that not only was this event helping them, but that it had the potential to be an idea that could reach and help an even broader group of dads.  

In 2015 the Fathers Eve outgrew the garage and moved to a bigger place, the Shanty at O’Gara’s restaurant in Saint Paul, because of the growing demand and interest from so many dads who wanted to be part of the conversation, the chance to connect, and the opportunity to give back.  What started in a single garage has expanded to a night that needs more room, yet the reason for bringing people together had not changed.  Dads wanted to do a better job but also know they don’t have all the answers and need to do what many men don’t like to do – talk to others about these common, yet challenging, issues.

The success and popularity of the past Fathers Eve celebrations has paved the way for organizers to continue this unique tradition around the world in 2017. In addition to the demand for the tradition continue in Saint Paul, Fathers Eve will be celebrated for the first time outside of the United States in England, Costa Rica, and Canada, as well as plans for other cities currently in the works.

“The purpose of Fathers Eve has remained the same since the start. Gathering the night before Father’s Day gives dads a chance to spend time with each other to focus on sharing ideas, supporting what it means to be better dads, making stronger connections, all while doing something good for the community.” John Francis, founder of Fathers Eve, stated. “I am beyond happy that dads around the country will be able to gather at their Fathers Eve celebration to help make each other and their community stronger.”

Supporting the community
In 2017 Fathers Eve Saint Paul is sponsoring The Father Project, a local MN initiative powered by the Goodwill Easter Seals to help fathers support their families economically and emotionally.  A portion of the money raised at the event will go to The Father Project and Fathers Eve will also help raise awareness of the program with new audiences.

Francis and his team are also focused on connecting this effort with national programs that connect with the goal to support dads.  The Fathers Eve 2017 national sponsor is The At-Home Dad Network, providing support, education and advocacy for dads who are primary caregivers to their children. 

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About John Francis
Fathers Eve was created by John Francis, a local dad of two daughters – who started spending the night before Father’s Day in his garage with friends to talk. John’s dad and older brother have both passed away – making his friends and important resource for advice and tips.  He found that the night before Father’s Day was a great time to reconnect with friends and to talk about what it means to be a better dad.

About Fathers Eve 2017
The Fathers Eve event in  Saint Paul 2017 will continue its focus on giving dads time to talk, connect, and reconnect with each other.  There will also be food, music, and a chance to bid on items to raise money for two charities – the National at Home Dad Network and Minnesota-based Goodwill Easter Seal’s Father Project.

Saint Paul Event Details:

• June 17 – 6:30 – 11:30 P.M.
• O’Gara’s Bar and Grill – 164 Snelling Ave North, St. Paul
• More info at https://fatherseve.com/

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