Michigan statehouse adopts 'Dad Week,' inspired by Present Pillars

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.--- It's not just Father's Day in Michigan this year, it's "Dad Week."

Wednesday, the Michigan House of Representatives adopted a resolution declaring this week, June 9-15, 2025, "Dad Week."

Benton Harbor nonprofit Present Pillars started "Dad Week" a few years ago, using the week before Father's Day to celebrate and educate dads with community events and fundraisers.

Executive Director James Gunter wants this trend to go beyond Benton Harbor, and some municipalities in Southwest Michigan have started to adopt it.

"It started with present pillars. Last year, we began to ask municipalities to adopt it with resolutions, so Benton Harbor, Benton Township, and Berrien County all did it last year," Gunter said. "This year, we've gotten it from St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, New Buffalo Township, and now, the State of Michigan."

Local State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) led the charge, bringing a resolution to the statehouse.

While largely symbolic, it was a major accomplishment in Gunter's eyes, because the mission of Present Pillars to empower and support fathers is now enshrined in the state record.

Nationally, almost 18 million children live in a home without a father figure, greatly increasing their risk of poverty, incarceration, and behavioral and social issues. The mission at Present Pillars is to give fathers the support they need to be "present pillars" in their families' lives.

"I was in the statehouse, and the organization that I helped co-found was mentioned in a statewide resolution for our passion, our project," Gunter said. "Our mission is enshrined in the state, in the record. That's amazing."

Present Pillars is participating in the Juneteenth celebrations in Benton Harbor this Saturday, and a community beach day on Sunday.