SFN U.S. Tour Venue Details
21st Century Dads Foundation, a 501c3, created the SFN U.S. 50 State Tour as a vehicle to raise awareness and funds for as well as strengthen and expand the Special Fathers Network and to promote the book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.
Below were the tour stops where attendees had the opportunity to meet members of the Special Fathers Network, learn more about the initiative, and connect with others who are part of this important community.
All times listed are local to each event location.
For General Inquires CLICK HERE.
Photo Gallery & Write Up
May 21st - Maui
The event was hosted by 21st Century Dads Foundation board member Gary Grube at his Hua Momona Farm in Kapalua. Unfortunately, David Hirsch got stranded at LAX on his way there and was unable to participate in the kickoff celebration.
Poster of Dick & Rick Hoyt as seen at O’Hare Airport before leaving Chicago on the way to LAX. Dick was featured in episode #11 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.
David Hirsch dressed for making an appearance in Maui, but stuck at LAX with no way to get to Maui 🙁
Gary Grube addressing the group and presenting the book.
Gary Grube addressing the group and presenting the book.
May 22nd - Anchorage
David Hirsch got rerouted from LAX to SFO to Anchorage.
David Arrived after 10:30pm locally and it was still daylight outside.
The Anchorage meeting took place at Special Olympics Alaska and was hosted by Sarah Arts, president of Special Olympics Alaska (SOAK).
One of the highlights was meeting a number of the SOAK staff and reconnecting with SFN Mentor Fathers Dan Redfield (who was featured in episode #266) and Nate Boltz, founder/president of Challenge Alaska (who was featured in episode #275).
From there it was back to the airport to catch the redeye to Chicago to start the RV portion of the SFN U.S. Tour.
May 23rd - Milwaukee & Minneapolis
The day started at O’Hare airport where Zane Kuecks (of Chicago), Andrew McDowell (of San Francisco) and David Hirsch (returning from Anchorage) met to catch an Uber to Barrington to load up the RV to start ground portion of the SFN U.S. Tour. After saying goodbye to family and friends the team was off to Milwaukee for stop #3.
Time for the RV.
The event took place at Gigi’s Playhouse in Fox Point, WI, hosted by Sara Van Deurzen. Some of the highlights included meeting local dads like Damian Buchman (who was featured in episode #437) and interviewing Rodger Northouse (who will be featured in episode #439).
From there it was off to Minneapolis for a meeting at We Rock The Spectrum (compliments of Meaghan Schmitt) and hosted by SFN Mentor Father and Mastermind Group Member Steve Harris (from Lanesboro, MN). Our small but mighty group in Minneapolis. One of the highlights included new SFN Mentor Father Jamie Bark of New Richmond (who was featured in episode #436). After the event David, Zane and Andrew enjoyed dinner at Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill with local friends Chris & Jessica Moore and their two kiddos.
Outside of We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym
With the Moore Family outside Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill.
May 24th - Des Moines, Omaha & Sioux Falls
The day started at Gigi’s Playhouse in Des Moines, hosted by John Claes and attended by a host of families. One of the highlights was interviewing Jerod Garland, author of Shovels & Spades: A Father’s Journey Parenting A Spirited Daughter With Down syndrome.
A fixing the door decals.
Vehicle looking more official and with the tour t-shirts 🙂
Outside Gigi’s Playhouse with John Claes.
A light moment during the interview with Jarod Garland.
With Ethan and Paul Vanous.
From there it was off to Omaha where we met at the Down syndrome Alliance of the Midlands, compliments of Elizabeth Draney and hosted by Paige Aldona. One of the highlights was meeting with SFN Mentor Father Jarell Roach and his family.
The last stop of the day was in Sioux Falls at the offices of Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD), hosted by Nick Moen and Haley Zerr. One of the highlights was meeting Chris & Cassandra Schultheiss and their daughter.
Presenting Chris Schultheiss with a Great Dad Coin.
May 25th - Bismarck & Billings
The day started at the Dream Center Bismarck hosted by Jim Barnhardt, who is founder of this extraordinary community resource.
From there it was off to Billings where we met at 105 Coffee & Brewing compliments of Nicole & Brandon Fluery and hosted by Stacie Manion. Fun fact: 105 Brewing created Jackie Moon, a Mexican Lager, named after Jackson Grassland, a nine year old boy with Cerebral Palsy.
With Brandon, Nicole and Stacie.
With Stacie, recipient of a pair of John’s Crazy Socks.
May 26th - Jackson & Salt Lake City
The day started in Jackson, WY where we met at the Jackson Elks Lodge #1713, one of those classic old lodges. One of the highlights was meeting Carolyn Coleman-Burke and Stephen Fralin.
With Stephen Fralin and Carolyn Coleman-Burke
From there we made a brief stop at Andrew’s family home in Park City to take showers before heading off to Salt Lake City where we met at GBS Benefits compliments of Tyler Gee and hosted by his wife Michelle Wolfenbarger, who is a board member with Special Olympics Utah (SOUT).
After leaving SLC one of the bonus stops was meeting for dinner at The Grille Restaurant in Tremonton, UT with SFN Mentor Father Brady Murray father of 11 and founder of RODS Heroes, who was featured in episode #274.
May 27th - Boise & Seattle
The day started in Boise at Rise Services, Inc. hosted by Nienke Cruikshank with the help of our friends at Special Olympics Idaho (SOID).
One interesting discovery is that Mark & John Cronin or John’s Crazy Socks had been here in Boise a few years back.
From there it was off to Seattle where we met at Kerry Hall hosted by SFN Mentor Father Josh LaBelle, executive director of Seattle Theater Group (STG). One of the highlights was finally meeting with Josh, SFN Mentor Fathers Nelson Rascon (featured in episode #231) and Christian Paddock (featured in episode #243) and local SFN advocates Louis Mendoza, Bonnie Hilroy and Dr. John O’Brien.
With Louis Mendoza and Nelson Rascon.
May 28th - Portland, OR
Our day started at the Hampton Inn in Portland, where we crashed last night, with Andrew and Nelson staying in the hotel room, which provided all four of us the opportunity to shower, TMI :-).
Hampton Inn in Portland for a hot shower.
From there it was off to Gigi’s Playhouse hosted by Kara Girod and Rae Hostedt. One of the highlights was reconnecting with SFN Mentor Father Shanne Sowards, founder of The Squires Program, for teen and young fathers (who was featured in episode #12).
With Shanne Sowards.
After presenting a GDC to Jed Moreno.
May 29th - San Francisco and Los Angeles
The day started in San Francisco at the Marriott where we checked in about 6am, just for the purpose of taking showers. We parked the RV about 2 miles from the venue and took a Waymo (a first for all four of us) to the Sales Force Tower, where we were hosted by SFN Mentor Father (featured in episode #418) at CBRE at their palatial offices on the 46th floor. One of the bonuses was meeting Wendy Hamas McDowell, Andrew’s mom. Andrew thanks for the being with us for week #1.
Chilling at the Marriott.
Leaving the RV two miles away.
CBRE Group.
With CBRE host Mike Griffiths.
Getting a tour of CBRE.
Saying thank you and goodbye to Andrew.
From there it was off to Los Angeles. We stopped at Camping World in Stevenson to see if they could address the house battery issue. The solution was to jump the battery.
We met at 360 Executive Suites compliments of Fred Arnold and hosted by local SFN Mentor Fathers Chris Velona (who was featured in episode #206) and Howard Tons of Tectonic Fitness Gym. We had a very nice turnout including a dozen local SN dads, SFN Mentor Father Christian Pache (featured in episode #416) and David’s daughter Addie.
Afterwards the crew enjoyed a fabulous sushi meal with Addie and friends Allie Fullmer & husband Jerry Friedman at Sogo Los Feliz.
May 30th - San Diego and Las Vegas
The day started in San Diego at Gigi’s Playhouse hosted by Rachel Holiday. One of the highlights was connecting with SFN Mentor Fathers Dan Roth (featured in episode #421) and Azim Khamisa, founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (featured in episode #147).
Connecting with SFN Mentor Fathers Dan Roth and Azim Khamisa, founder of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation.
After Gigi’s visit we decided to walk a few blocks to Pacific Beach and take in the Saturday morning vibe.
May 31st - Scottsdale and Albuquerque
The day started in Scottsdale at Gigi’s Playhouse hosted by Chris Mays. This has to be one of the largest and nicest Gigi’s Playhouses. One of the highlights was interviewing SFN Mentor Frank Dillon, one of the newest SFN dads.
Gigi’s Playhouse in Scottsdale.
June 1st - Colorado Springs, Denver and Ft. Collins
The day started in Colorado Springs at Kishami Academy, lead by Kish Widgren. One of the highlights meeting with Dr. David Schall, MD and retired USAF.
Kishami Academy, lead by Kish Widgren
From there it was off to Denver, where we encountered an inside rear flat tire. The solution was for David to catch an Uber to the Noon event at Gigi’s Playhouse, while Nelson and Zane got all six tires replaced at Discount Tire.
Very grateful to Cady Lawbaugh, executive director at Gigi’s Playhouse Denver. One of the highlights was meeting with some of David’s relatives Carolyn Fineran, Jon Solomon and Lori Wolfson as well as Richard Keck University of Illinois friend.
June 2nd - Wichita & Tulsa
The day started at Ability Point in Wichita compliments of Kristen Phillips. One of the highlights was meeting Dr. Matthew Shepherd (who was featured in episode #419).
Ability Point in Wichita
Meeting Dr. Matthew Shepherd (who was featured in episode #419).
From there it was off to Tulsa for the event at Special Olympics Oklahoma (SOOK). One of the highlights was interviewing Jeremy Warren, founder and president of DOSA (Dads On Special Assignment).
June 3rd - Oklahoma City & Dallas
The day started at Hearts for Hearing where we were hosted by Heather Pike of the Oklahoma Family Network. One of the highlights was interviewing new SFN Mentor Father Brandon Boyd. We were also treated to a tour by Kris Hopper of the Hearts for Hearing facilities, a world-class center for all things related to hearing loss and impairment.
The ’sock’ drawer in the RV.
Tour by Kris Hopper of the Hearts for Hearing facilities, a world-class center for all things related to hearing loss and impairment.
From there it was off to Dallas where we met at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, hosted by Jill Johnson. One of the highlights was meeting SFN advocate Reena Friedman-Watts, host of the Better Call Daddy Podcast.
June 4th - Austin & Houston
The day started at the home of Shirley Arend where we stayed last night, did some laundry, took hot showers and got a decent night’s sleep. Today’s first event was at Disability Rights Texas, hosted by Shirley DeBerry. DRT is one of those iconic places in the national disability movement.
The evening event was a Gigi’s Playhouse Houston, hosted by Raymond Valdez. Some of the highlights were meeting SFN Fathers: Louis Geigerman (featured in episode #177), Adam Goldman (featured in episode #296) and Mazi Keyghobadi (featured in episode #333).
Before heading out of town we stopped for a delicious meal at The Spaghetti Western Italian Cafe.
June 5th - Shreveport & Fayetteville
The day started at The Community School in Shreveport hosted by Kelly Rouse and Randy Davidson.
From there it was off to Fayetteville for a meeting at Ability Tree complements of SFN Mentor Father Joe Butler founder of Ability Tree (featured in episode #28) and hosted by Maddy Schultz. One of the highlights was meeting with Dr. Ken Canfield, founder of the National Center for Fathering and his wife Dr. Michelle Watson-Canfield (who was featured in episode #233) also known as the Dad Whisperer.
June 6th - Collierville, TN, Olive Branch, MS & Nashville, TN
The day started at Jiffy Lube to get the oil on the RV changed. The first of three stops was at the Collierville Burch Public Library hosted by SFN Mentor Father and Mastermind Group Dad Shane Madden (featured in episode #154). Some of the highlights included meeting Shane’s som Marshall and his wife Emily who provided an amazing testimonial for Shane’s involvement with the SFN Mastermind Group.
Started at Jiffy Lube to get the oil on the RV changed.
Collierville Burch Public Library hosted by SFN Mentor Father and Mastermind Group Dad Shane Madden.
From there we traveled to the Olive Branch Pizza Company in Olive Branch, MS hosted by Jon Maw and where the group was provided some terrific pizza and refreshments.
From there it was off to Nashville where we met at Gigi’s Playhouse Nashville compliments of Jim Anisi and hosted by Emily Sheridan. We said thank you and goodbye to Nelson Rascon who returned to Tacoma, WA and we picked up Charlie Hirsch. We had a nice turn out of SFN Mentor Fathers and Mastermind Group dads including: John Shouse (featured in episode #52), Sean Farrell (featured in episode #59), Todd Evans (featured in episode #352), Matt Rehbein and Baskar Srinivasan. Also in attendance was Janet Shouse, editor of the book Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities as well as Charlie’s future in-laws Havens & Joel McAlister.
Afterwards the crew had an enjoyable meal at Mexicali located next door, before hitting the road for Birmingham.
June 7th - Birmingham & Atlanta
The day started at the Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center at University of Alabama, hosted by SFN Mentor Father Dr. Matt Might (featured in episode #423) and his colleague Aleksandra Foksinska. One of the highlights was taking a deep dive on the latest research being done in the area of rare disease, which is Dr. Might’s area of expertise.
At the Marnix E. Heersink Conference Center at University of Alabama, hosted by SFN Mentor Father Dr. Matt Might (and his colleague Aleksandra Foksinska.
From there it was off to Atlanta for the meeting at St. John Neumann Church in Lilburn, GA. Hosted by SFN Mentor Fathers Scott Sowers (featured in episode #09). Some of the highlights included meeting Scott’s wife Sharon and daughter Gloria. Another highlight was interviewing SFN Mentor Father Rick Corbett.
On the long journey to Orlando, we stopped for a late night dinner at Wendy’s where we met Lyfe, an R&B artist. He had an interesting story and was insistent on giving a watch to Zane.
June 8th - Orlando & Charleston, SC
The day started at Special Olympics Florida (SOFL) located in Clermont just outside Orlando, hosted by SOFL president Meaghan McLain and SFN Advocate and 21CD board member Chris Hunter (featured in episode #345).
Some of the highlights included meeting some of the SOFL staff like MaryAnn Gonzalez as well as SFN Mentor Father Mike Pereira (featured in episode #373).
From there it was off to Charleston, SC where we met at Gigi’s Playhouse Charleston hosted by Breana Crenshaw, Gigi’s ED. Some of the highlights included meeting Breana’s husband Dylan and their daughter as well as Glenda & Kevin Crain and their adult children.
Afterwards the crew enjoyed a nice meal at the Tattooed Moose before heading toward Charlotte.
June 9th - Charlotte & Charleston, WV
The day started at Gigi’s Playhouse Charlotte hosted by Lori Keller, Gigi’s ED.
Some of the highlights included meeting SFN Mentor Fathers Tom Sander (featured in episode #390) and Brad Sund (featured in episode #434) along with his wife Caitlyn who is executive director of Defending the Fatherless. Another highlight was meeting up with former Chicago friends Mary Kay & Rich Bowman.
From there it was off to Charleston, WV for the meeting at the Shoenbaum Center for Enrichment, hosted by Michelle Curtis of the Arc of West Virginia.
June 10th - Richmond & Annapolis
The day started at the Friendship Circle in Richmond, hosted by Dr. Sarah Kranz-Cimet and SFN Mentor Father Jeff Katz (featured in episode #76).
Guests enjoyed a very nice breakfast buffet. One of the highlights was meeting SFN Mentor Father Dan Morrissey (featured in episode #86) and his son PJ, who was a 21CD Ryan M. Hanson Memorial Intern back in 2019.
From there we made our way up to Annapolis for the meeting at Gigi’s Playhouse Annapolis, hosted by Pauline Markwart, ED. Some of the highlights included meeting with SFN Mentor Fathers Ian Todd (featured in episode #238) and Allan Shedlin (featured in episode #292).
On an impromptu basis we were invited to stay at the home of Ariadne & Curt Petrucelli (Philadelphia friends) and treated to an authentic Philly cheesesteak dinner, warm showers and real beds. What a blessing that was.
June 11th - New Castle & Philadelphia
The day started at the Police Athletic League organized by Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) and hosted by Reggie Barnes, a retired police officer.
Some of the highlights were meeting SFN Mentor Fathers: Bill Walters (featured in episode #339) and Jason Lopez (featured in episode #433).
From there we were off to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Autism Research hosted by SFN Mentor Father Jamiel Owens (featured in episode #375).
The original plan was for David to fly to Milwaukee to attend his oldest daughter, Amanda’s, graduation from her residency program and then fly back in the morning to be in NJ. Unfortunately after sitting on the tarmac, under perfectly clear skies, for 90 minutes, due to weather in the midwest the plane returned to the gate and the flight was cancelled :-(. The consolation prize was a second Philly cheesesteak dinner at the world famous Gino’s and Pat’s Steaks.
June 12th - Lawrenceville, NJ, NYC and Westport, CT
The day started at Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ), hosted by Heather Anderson SONJ president and COO Bill DePonte.
The highlights included meeting: Dev Ramndit and Dr. Spandana Nallapati, founders of Turtle Pediatrics and getting a tour of the SONJ facilities inside and out. These have to be the nicest of SO operations anywhere. SONJ is the gold standard.
From there we headed toward NYC where Zane and David grabbed an Uber so as to avoid having the navigate the RV in NYC. We had a nice meeting with Claire Flannery at New York Special Olympics (NYSO), not SONY since there is a small Japanese electronics company with the name.
From there David & Zane took an Uber back out of NYC and headed to Westport for the event at the Westport Center for Senior Activities organized by Diane Johnson, who is on the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities board and whose husband SFN Mentor Father Rady Johnson was featured in episode #370. It was another first class event.
The crew enjoyed a relaxing meal at RIKO’s before heading to Gina Kuecks-Morgan’s house in Providence including warm showers and real beds.
June 13th - Providence & Boston
The day started at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee hosted by Pat Scott.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee hosted by Pat Scott.
Some of the highlights included meeting SFN Mentor Father Sam Farmer (featured in episode #321), Bill Applegate, president of Rotary Club of Providence and Lorenzo Pizzaro, formerly from the Chicago and long-time friend and fatherhood advocate.
From there it was off to Boston for a meeting at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, hosted by Renee Williams. Some of the highlights included meeting SFN Mentor Father Mark Cronin (featured in episode #17), his wife Carol and son John of John’s Crazy Socks. Another was meeting with SFN Advocate and Boston icon Hubie Jones (featured in episode #432).
From there it was time for some R&R at Fenway to see a Boston Red Soxs game, including on-field passes and seats in the Boston Red Soxs Foundation suite compliments of local friends Paul McConville (former president of Rotary Club of Chicago) and his high school friend Kevin Daley. Thanks for a first class Fenway experience.
June 14th - Portland, ME, Manchester, NH & Burlington, VT
The day started at PSL Services STRIVE hosted by Peter Brown.
One of the highlights was meeting SFN Mentor Father Bo Bigelow (featured in episode #51) and his daughter Tess.
The next stop was at Ripple Effect Studio in Manchester, NH hosted by Trinnie Houghton and Scott Seagren.
Stop #3 was at St. John Vianney Church in Burlington, VT hosted by SFN Mastermind Group dad Jordan Jankus (featured in episode #311). One of the highlights included Cathy Jankus’ testimonial about the SFN Mastermind Group. Afterwards the crew enjoyed a casual meal with Jordan and Cathy at Zachary’s Pizza in South Burlington.
Presenting a Great Dad Coin the Zachary Smith, U.S. Army veteran.
Following dinner the crew gladly accepted Jordan and Cathy’s invite to stay at their house in Wallingford, VT (about 90 minutes away) with the promise of real beds and hot showers 🙂
Jordan showing off his model train set.
Jankus home in Wallingford, VT.
The kitchen of the Jankus 200+ year old house.
June 15th - Albany & Syracuse
The day started in Wallingford, VT with Jordan’s homemade pancakes with warm maple syrup.
Afterwards we made quick stop, a few blocks away, at the boyhood home of Paul Harris, founder of Rotary International before heading to Schenectady for the meeting at Parent To Parent NY State offices hosted by Heather Emory. One of the highlights was interviewing Bin Feng, a NYC resident and staff P2PNYS staff member.
Parent To Parent New Your State.
Interviewing Bin Feng.
Presenting Bin Feng with a Great Dad Coin.
Parent To Parent NY State offices hosted by Heather Emory.
From there we headed to Syracuse for the meeting at Gigi’s Playhouse hosted by Alyssa Johnston and Kara Steffen. Unlike most Gigi’s Playhouses, this one if located in an auto mall, so one of the highlights was seeing some vintage cars and a rather elaborate scale train display.
With Kara Steffen at Gigi’s.
One of dozens of vintage autos on display.
An amazing scale model train display.
Afterwards the crew enjoyed dinner at Steve’s Restaurant in Syracuse, before heading to Pittsburgh for tomorrow’s first event.
Crew member Steve Harris.
June 16th - Pittsburgh & Cleveland
The day started at Sewickley Community Center hosted by Amber Deemer and Andrea Patton of Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA).
One of the highlights was meeting with Bill Strickland (featured in episode #200) founder of the Bidwell Training Center & Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and an icon in the local non-profit world.
Presenting Bill Strickland with a Great Dad Coin.
From there it was off to Gigi’s Playhouse Cleveland in Lakewood, hosted by Lizz Maxwell and Jim Predmore. One of the highlights was visiting with Laszlo Nagy a long-time friend of David Hirsch’s who is a quadriplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident in 2002. Another friend Dr. Greg Nemanaitis, from the Cleveland Clinic who helped Laszlo become ventilator independent shared some profound insights about overcoming disability. Another highlight was connecting with the local D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) and going to dinner next door with the group.
Presenting Dr. Greg Nemanaitis with a Great Dad Coin.
June 17th - Detroit & Greenville, OH
The day started at Gigi’s Playhouse Detroit located in Southfield, MI hosted by Veronica Cruz.
One of the highlights was connecting with Peggy and Dr. Peter Bistolarides, family friends of David Hirsch.
With Peggy & Dr. Peter Bistolarides.
Afterwards the crew enjoyed lunch nearby at Avenue American Bistro with Chris one of Zane’s friends.
From there it was off to Greenville, OH for a meeting at the Darke County Developmental Disabilities offices hosted by SFN Mastermind Group father Joe Lofino (featured in episode #95). One of the highlights included a BBQ meal, a fire truck and ambulance experience for the children in attendance.
With Joe Lofino.
Presenting Joe Lofino with a Great Dad Coin.
June 18th - Cincinnati & Louisville
While in Cincinnati we called an audible and had the opportunity to attend the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, hosted by Lisa Licker, Rotary president. One of the highlights was meeting featured speaker Zach Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who coincidentally has a 41 year old sister with Down syndrome.
With Zach Taylor head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
With fellow Rotarians Stephen King & Sam Schutte.
From there it was off to Louisville for our meeting at Ronald McDonald House, hosted by SFN Mentor Father Jim Littlefield-Dalmares (featured in episode #377). One of the highlights was getting a tour of the RMH, a 56 room facility that provides complimentary housing and meals to families with medically fragile children being treated in local hospitals. One of the families we met had been there for 232 days and not expected to leave until Christmas. Another highlight was meeting with SFN Mastermind Group dad Rich Gathro (featured in episode #54) and his son Will “ESPN” Gathro.
Afterwards the crew enjoyed a casual meal at The Irish Rover Pub before heading to Bloomington.
June 19th - Bloomington, IN, Indianapolis & St. Louis
The day started in Bloomington at The Mill, a former furniture manufacturing facility that was very tastefully converted to shared office space.
From there it was over to Gigi’s Playhouse Indianapolis hosted by David Johnson and Leslie Hibbs. One of the highlights was meeting with SFN Mentor Father Lyle Liechty and cofounder of D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) National (featured in episode #139).
From there it was off to the St. Louis Arc for our third stop. Very grateful to hosts Mark Keeler and Lisa Miller. One of the highlights was connecting with long-time friend Nancy Yawitz and then going out to dinner with her afterwards at Fallon’s Bar & Grill.
With Nancy Yawitz.
June 20th - Urbana & Normal
The day started at the Urbana Country Club hosted by local ILLINI friends Jim Fessler and Lou Liay. One of the highlights was interviewing David Aarestad, a local adjunct law professor at UIUC.
Interviewing David Aarestad.
Presenting David Aarestad with a Great Dad Coin.
The Urbana Country Club hosted by local ILLINI friends Jim Fessler and Lou Liay.
From there we headed up to Normal for a meeting at Special Olympics Illinois (SOIL) hosted by Cindy Villafuente. One of the highlights was meeting Zane’s mom Yvonne Kuecks and also getting a tour of the SOIL facilities inside and out.
From there we headed to Barrington where the crew was greeted by friends and family. After emptying the RV and cleaning it up the group enjoyed a home cooked meal and enjoyed some welcome time to relax.
Welcome back cookie cake.
June 21st - Chicago Father’s Day
The plan was to celebrate the end of the tour at the Father’s Day CUBS baseball game at Wrigley Field. Unfortunately Mother Nature prevented the game from taking place. Most of the 21 guests were already en route to Wrigley Field when the game was called off. Plan B resulted in a majority of the group having a late lunch a local Morretti’s Restaurant. While a bit anti climactic, the game was rescheduled for August 6th, so the celebration will have to wait until then.
August 6, 2026 at Wrigley Field
The Chicago CUBS Wrigley Field celebration was postponed from Father’s Day, June 21st to August
6th.
Prior to the game, David Hirsch threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches, which was followed
shortly thereafter by SFN Mentor Father Wayne Messmer (featured in episode #56) and his wife
singing Oh Canada and the National Anthem. 21 guests enjoyed watching the Chicago CUBS vs. Toronto Blue Jays game. The Blue Jays were in the lead from the very first inning. Alex Bregman hit a dramatic two-run, two strike, two out home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the game 2-2. In the 11th inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong singled, stole third base and came home when the catcher’s throw went into error territory. It was a fitting end to the game and a terrific way to bring closure to the SFN U.S. Tour.
Many thanks to the crew: Zane Kuecks, Andrew McDowell, Nelson Rascon, Charlie Hirsch, Steve Harris and David Hirsch for getting the show from venue to venue. To 60+ venue hosts and primary sponsors: Gigi’s Playhouses, John’s Crazy Socks, Rotary Club of Chicago and Special Olympics. And all those who provide their financial support and offered their prayers.