The Father & Son Banquet has been celebrating commitment to the families of Northwest Roanoke for 90 years. Coach Gaither was honored with this year’s Heart of the Father award for his lifelong impact on youth basketball players. The award was announced at the Father & Son Banquet on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Fitzpatrick Hall in the Jefferson Center.
“The banquet originally started during segregation in Roanoke when the Hunton YMCA saw a need to bring African American fathers and sons together…Since that time, the Gainsboro YMCA has continued the tradition, now opening the free event to all family members including those who take on a parental role in the lives of young people.”
–Kate Capodanno, WDBJ7
See the WDBJ7 story about this event: Gainsboro YMCA hosts 90th Father Son & Family Banquet