2025 FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS: PARENTING IN A NEW ERA
(pictured above Fathers of the Year: Marc D’Amelio, David Dennis, Nate Burleson, Don Hendricks)
As always, there was hardly a dry eye in the room as the four 2025 Fathers of the Year shared their parenting stories. What was different about this year’s program, however, was the recurring theme of single-parent families. Mistress of Ceremonies Gayle King (of CBS Mornings, herself a single parent and alumna of Big Brothers Big Sisters) quoted statistics saying that among black families in the U.S., more than 50 percent live in single-parent homes vs. 20 percent among white families.
The first honoree dad at the annual luncheon, David Dennis, Ashok C. Sani All-Star Dad, is a firefighter from Kentucky, and father of seven (six girls and a boy). David was nominated by his daughter Nora, who noted in her nomination letter that “My father is not just a firefighter—he’s the heart of our family, always giving everything he has and making us feel loved beyond measure. And every time the sirens blare, he runs toward danger to protect people he might never see again. He does this without hesitation, without seeking praise. And even after the longest shifts, when he’s been awake for hours saving lives, he’s still there for us: helping with homework, coaching our games, letting us know he’s proud of us…”
David then confided that although his job as a full-time firefighter/paramedic has taught him how to keep calm under pressure, there’s nothing calm about what goes on in his household. “If you’ve ever tried to get seven kids out the door on time, you’d understand. Or deal with six daughters, each with strong opinions, a unique personality, and lots of hair products… Of course, we couldn’t survive without my wife Emily, the heart of our family. And this award goes to them: they’re the reason I wake up each morning and try to be better than I was the day before…”
Marc D’Amelio, a digital creator and entrepreneur, is a business strategist with a passion for creating brands that make a meaningful impact. After graduating from UConn in 1991, he worked with some of the top apparel, footwear, and accessory brands. In 2000, he founded Madsoul Clothing Company in South Norwalk, CT; in 2006, he launched The Level Four Collective, a showroom and sales agency in NYC. He’s also part-owner (alongside Jay-Z and other celebrities) of Fanatics Clothing.
His wife, Heidi, spoke about Marc’s devotion to their kids. “He never worries about being a perfect dad; he just shows up and gives our daughters a deep sense of love and connection.” Marc then spoke about his childhood, how his mom also acted as his dad, who was rarely around. “My dad was a truly inspiring person, but he just wasn’t there for me. Fortunately, I had other men come into my life who filled the void: my father-in-law, my uncle Ralph, and my mother’s father. I didn’t appreciate their impact when I was a kid, but I sure do now! I work very hard to emulate these amazing men in my life; I’m not perfect, but I try my best and hope I make my family proud. It’s important that all of us make time to support young people who need direction, which is why Big Brothers Big Sisters is such an amazing organization.”
Nate Burleson, Co-Host of CBS Mornings and analyst for The NFL Today, has reported extensively on mental health and emotional well-being. From 2019 to 2021, he served as a correspondent for EXTRA, conducting high-profile interviews with notable figures such as Michelle Obama, Chris Rock, Senator Cory Booker, Lady Gaga, Eddie Murphy, and Angelina Jolie.
Nate and his wife Atoya are parents to Nathaniel, Nehemiah, and Mia Pearl. Mia spoke about her dad as her role model and best friend. “Even with his jokes that make no sense, his presence in my life makes me feel loved.” Says Atoya, “Mia has an incredible girl-dad. He regularly leaves her little gifts and messages. He can cheer her up whenever she’s sad. Nate is also a sports-dad and coach-dad to our two sons who are playing college football: for each of our kids, Nate takes the time to listen, to encourage, to cheer them on.”
Nate told the crowd that even after working in television and interviewing celebrities, it’s this recognition as a father that means the most to him. “I thank the Father’s Day Committee for honoring men who understand the weight and joy of fatherhood. Nothing compares to raising good humans. I learned how to be a father from my dad. Our doors were always open to kids who needed a home and/or some guidance.”
The final honoree of the event, Don Hendricks, is the CEO of Belk Stores (nearly 300 stores in 16 Southeastern states), father of Sidney and Sofia, married for 28 years to Tina, “my rock and my best friend.” Don stated how wonderful it is to be pampered by two daughters who are always looking out for his well-being. “They’re always paying attention to what I might need. Their generosity is more than I ever imagined. I used to think that being a dad meant teaching my children life lessons. Turns out my kids are the ones who teach life lessons to me: the value of patience, the importance of unconditional love, the stamina to never give up… Sidney is a math and English major; Sofia is studying French. I’m so proud of them both and for them, I’ll keep striving to be a better dad than I was the day before.”
Editor’s Note: This year’s Father of the Year luncheon raised $1.58 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. For more info on donating to this preeminent 1-to-1 mentoring organization in America, contact Matthew Youngs at the Father’s Day Council: 917-496-8640.