This year, the Northshore YMCA will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day. First celebrated in June 1910 at the Spokane YMCA in Washington, Father’s Day is now recognized all over the world.

“The Northshore YMCA is proud to join in this historic celebration honoring fathers,” said Mychal-Lynne Pfiester, Family Programs director, Northshore YMCA. “Dads, and moms, play a paramount role in children’s lives, and the Y is committed to helping foster those relationships.”

Father’s Day was founded by Sonora Louis Smart Dodd, the daughter of a single father who served in the Civil War. On Mother’s Day in 1909, Smart Dodd heard a sermon honoring mothers and wondered why there was no similar tribute for fathers. With the support of ministers in Spokane, Smart Dodd launched the first Father’s Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. President Nixon signed Father’s Day into law in 1972.

Today, the Y remains committed to strengthening families. The Northshore YMCA offers programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their dads – and moms – such as the Adventure Guides Parent-Child Program, monthly Family Nights and Family Dinners.

For more information about the Northshore YMCA’s family programming, contact Pfiester at mpfiester@seattleymca.org or call (425) 485-9797.