Children's Institute, Inc.: News Article: Volleyball Tournament Benefits Project Fatherhood

June 5, 2009

Volleyball Tournament Benefits Project Fatherhood

Each year Elise Johnson asked her husband what he wanted to do for Father’s Day and every year it was the same answer: “Spend the day playing volleyball at the beach with our three kids.” Joined by other families in Manhattan Beach, the Father’s Day activity became a tradition.

Inspired as a graduate student by CII’s Dr. Hershel Swinger, and the subsequent program he started to help troubled and low-income fathers participate actively in the care and upbringing of their children, Elise created The Father’s Day Volleyball Tournament to raise support for the program and provide a father/child activity that exemplifies its purpose.

Johnson approached the City of Manhattan Beach, which was receptive to helping, along with the California Beach Volleyball Association and other sponsors. Now in its second year, the tournament has proved to be a tremendous success, drawing approximately 90 father/child teams.

“By donating the proceeds to Project Fatherhood, dads in Manhattan Beach are helping other dads throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. What could be a better match?”

The $50 team registration fee includes a t-shirt, beach toys and other goodies. Check out the event photo gallery.

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