Manuel Garcia, a dad from South Dartmouth, stands with his son after receiving the "My Dad Makes a Difference" award.Providence, R.I. -
Over 500 people came to Roger Williams Park Carousel Saturday morning to attend the tenth annual Children's Friend 5K Walk and Run.
Although some people came to test their speed against the clock, many were there to celebrate the Father's Day spirit.
As part of the event, the walk's sponsors had put out a request for people to nominate their father for a special award, for making a difference in children's lives.
Several families nominated their dads for the prize, a plaque that reads "my dad makes a difference".
"You have to shut off work at some point, and try to spend as much time as you can with the kids," said North Kingstown dad Maurice Cusick. His stepson Timothy nominated him for the award, without his dad's knowledge.
Several fathers received the award, under a big white tent next to the road where the walk took place. "It's a very humbling experience, it's wonderful to be involved with the kids," said Manuel Garcia, of South Dartmouth. In addition to his own children, Garcia says he is also involved in fundraising for less fortunate kids, including children living at orphanages on the Azores and San Miguel islands.
Gary Contois of Seekonk was also surprised that he too would be winning an award. "I found out I was getting a prize for being a dad, so I came," Said Contois. "It's nice to know that you're actually making a difference."
Children's Friend is Rhode Island's oldest child welfare organization. This year's 5K was their tenth annual walk.
