junior high school in Texas, USA was pleasantly surprised after being swamped by volunteers to stand in for absent fathers. Billy Earl Dade Middle School, in city of Dallas, posted on Facebook asking for 50 male volunteers to substitute for absent fathers in event called "Breakfast with Dads". Event organizers were inundated with replies. They said they were astounded after nearly 600 men responded to request and turned up at event. school's inaugural "Breakfast with Dads" event was to enhance community spirit. Around 90 per cent of children come from low-income families. Many of students did not have father who was able to participate in event.
The school said "Breakfast with Dads" event was part of overall plan to improve its academic position. Community leaders, mentors and local organizations have combined to implement various projects to increase test scores. There has been some academic improvement at school as result of their efforts. local pastor, Reverend Donald Parish Jr, said: "When young person sees someone other than their teacher take interest in them, it inspires them." school liaison officer, Ellyn Favors, commented on success of event. She said: " look of awe, even disbelief, in students' eyes as they made their way through crowd of "Dads" was astonishing."
