Wanted: a few good father figures to spend time over lunch Tuesday with youngsters from Central Missouri Community Action's (CMCA) Head Start program.
Men who attend the "100 Man Luncheon" will pair off with a child and eat a lunch of mostacholi, bread and salad, then read with the child and simply chat with them. The event highlights the significant roles that males, especially fathers, play in the education of children.
James McNairy, CMCA's child and family development advocate, said the goal is to introduce the kids to positive role models and let them know that they can pursue similar lives and careers. "It's just to show the kids that there are people in our community who care about them and want them to succeed," he said.
CMCA has invited members of specific professions - including firefighters, police officers and members of the media - but hope that other men from the public will attend as well.
The event will start at about 11:45 a.m. at Cole East Head Start, 605 Cherry St. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at 636-3577.
Although the event is held once a year, McNairy encouraged the public to consider making arrangements to spend time with the kids in the program on a more regular basis.