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WASHINGTON, April 26, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – US First Lady Laura Bush told National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) members, “Celebrating fatherhood is something our whole society should be doing,” during a keynote address at their awards gala April 19, according to a Washington Post report.

NFI’s mission “is to improve the well-being of children by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers,” by utilizing “public awareness campaigns and other resources,” according to their web site. NFI uses newsprint, web, billboard, and other media advertising to promote their ideals.

“It’s Mom who usually provides the kiss that makes the pain go away, and Dad who’s up for wrestling on the living room floor,” Bush continued. “But the differences don’t allow one parent off the hook while the other provides all the support and love. Parenting is best done as a team, with both Mom and Dad fully committed to raising their children.”

Bush attended the event as part of her Helping America’s Youth project to help children. The project has two primary programs – a “Responsible Fatherhood” initiative, as well as a project that researches and promotes healthy marriage – the “Healthy Marriage” initiative.

“Helping men become good fathers who show their love is what this organization is all about, and that’s why your work is so vital,” Bush told members gathered at Washington’s Willard Hotel. “Every father faces challenges, regardless of his circumstances. The father who’s absent because he’s in prison or the father who’s absent because he works 80 hours a week both have children who wish they could see their dads more. The National Fatherhood Initiative provides help for fathers in just about every situation imaginable.”

NFI President Roland Warren explained, “Kids overwhelmingly do better with involved, responsible and committed fathers.”

Orlando Magic Vice President Pat Williams, a father of 19 – including 14 adopted children – was a recipient of a Fatherhood Award. “I think you have to learn how to do it,” Williams explained. “In many ways, I’m my father’s protégé.”

In Williams’ recently published 38th book, he interviewed 800 people about who played the greatest role in influencing their lives. “Over and over I got the same answer: ‘My dad.’ This is no slap at moms in any way, but Dad – you are the key person.”

Visit the NFI website.

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