In case you landed here expecting the Father’s Day picnic 2025 page…
Every Saturday from May 17th until Father’s Day, SpoFI dads are stepping up to serve our Spokane community. These Service Saturdays are our response to Gabriel’s Challenge – a city-wide initiative addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting Spokane families.
Why fathers serving matters
When dads volunteer, they show their children what real leadership looks like. Children who see their fathers actively serving their community are more likely to become community-minded adults themselves.
“The most powerful lessons we teach our kids aren’t the ones we say – they’re the ones we show,” says Ron Hauenstein, SpoFI Executive Director. “Service Saturdays give dads a practical way to demonstrate character, compassion, and community care.”
Upcoming Service Saturday events
May 31: Community Outreach and Food Distribution
We’re taking our service directly to those who need it most. Join us as we prepare and distribute food to people experiencing homelessness and addiction in our community.
This isn’t just about handing out meals. We’re building human connections.
We need your help:
Date: Saturday, May 31th
Time: 9 am – Noon (ish)
Location: SpoFI HQ (711 E 3rd Ave)
Why this matters for Gabriel’s Challenge
Many people we’ll serve struggle with addiction – the same crisis that took Gabriel’s life. We’ll share brief information about Gabriel’s Challenge and local resources for those ready to take steps toward recovery, including detox options.
Your role: Help prepare food packages, then join us as we distribute them throughout the neighborhood. Bring your children to show them what compassion looks like in action.
What to bring: Your heart for service and any extra hands in your family.
May 24: Help Build a Children’s Village This Weekend
One of our own alumni, Cameron Dietz, is spearheading a creative community project where kids and dads build a pretend village called “Brookhaven” for an upcoming Children’s Day event.
We need your help:
Date: Saturday, May 24th (possibly continuing Sunday if needed)
Time: 10:30am – 6:30pm (come for any amount of time that works for you)
Location: 11219 E Main Ave, Spokane Valley
What Makes This Perfect for Gabriel’s Challenge?
This project directly supports our Gabriel’s Challenge mission by:
- Showing that dads are a steady foundation for families
- Creating safe, positive activities for children and families
- Building community strength through father involvement
May 17: Neighborhood Clean-Up
Time: 9AM – Noon
Location: SpoFI Headquarters (711 E 3rd Ave)
Details: Join us for our first Service Saturday as we clean up the neighborhood surrounding our offices. We’ll provide all supplies, gloves, morning coffee, and lunch for those who RSVP.
Bring your children! This is a perfect opportunity to teach them about community responsibility while working alongside other fathers.
RSVP for the Neighborhood Clean-Up
Additional Service Saturdays
We’ll be adding new service projects for May 31, June 7, and June 14. Check back for updates or join our email list to be notified when new projects are announced.
What to expect at Service Saturdays
Each Service Saturday follows a similar format:
- 9:00 AM: Arrival and coffee
- 9:15 AM: Brief orientation and team assignments
- 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Service project
- 12:00 PM: Lunch for volunteers who RSVP (optional)
Who can participate
- SpoFI program graduates
- Current program participants
- Family members (including children)
- Anyone interested in supporting father-led community service
No special skills required – just a willingness to serve alongside other men who value fatherhood and community.
The bigger picture: Gabriel’s Challenge
Service Saturdays are part of Gabriel’s Challenge, a five-week initiative running from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. This community-wide effort honors 24-year-old Gabriel Fensler, who lost his life to fentanyl, and supports his mother Kitara Johnson-Jones’ mission to address this crisis in Spokane.
As fathers, we have a unique role to play in creating safe, healthy communities for our children.
Get involved, RSVP today
Ready to show your children what service looks like in action? Join us this Saturday and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Questions? Contact us at help@spofi.org or call (509) 315-8850.
This post will be updated as new Service Saturday events are confirmed.
FAQs
Can I bring children of all ages?
Yes! These events are designed to be family-friendly. Activities are suitable for children of various ages.
What if I can only attend for part of the time?
Any amount of time you can give makes a difference. Simply note your availability when you RSVP.
Do I need to be a SpoFI program graduate to participate?
No, all fathers and father figures are welcome, though our alumni form the core of our volunteer team.