De La Salle Dads’ Club

We came. We saw. We stayed.

They work the penalty box at hockey games, and the concession stand at school dances and athletic events. They supervise the parking lot at the CBA Craft Show and Open House. They put on the annual Train and Toy Show, sell Entertainment Books and 50-50 tickets, and have built a chapel, a faculty room, showcases, and replaced classroom lighting systems. Ultimately, they make De La Salle a better place for young men. They are the De La Salle Dads’ Club. In continuous existence almost from the day the school opened in 1926, the Dads’ Club has a rich history of commitment to the school - both the students and the Christian Brothers.

Br. Bob Carnaghi, DLS President Emeritus, serves as the Moderator for the Dads’ Club. “Since 1926, DLS students have benefitted from the partnership between the Dads’ Club and the Brothers,” states Brother Bob. “These men are a blessing to our school in countless ways.” Br. Thomas Lackey, DLS President, recalled the importance of the Dads in the school’s move from Detroit in 1982. “We literally would not be in Warren without the Dads. They loaded truckload after truckload of ‘stuff’ from the old school on Conner and Glenfield to be brought to the new Warren campus. Once we moved in, they literally built many things in the school, but most importantly, it’s their spirit that resides here.”

Brother Tom added, “When it came time for the Brothers to make the move from Detroit, and the old Brothers’ House, in 1985, they again loaded and unloaded. Our basement was unfinished for a year until a group of dedicated dads completely finished it, from tile to lights to ceiling to walls. And they continue their dedication to De La Salle today.” “We simply couldn’t do what we do without them,” says Athletic Director Brian Kelly. On the next page, some of the dads shared their thoughts about why they volunteer, and continue to be involved long after their sons have graduated, moved on to college, gotten married, and had children of their own.

George Glass Distinguished Service Award

To recognize De La Salle Dads who generously give of their time and talents to ensure the high standards for our son’s scholastic, spiritual, social, and athletic endeavors. The Award is named for George Glass, whose involvement with the Dads’ Club began in 1953. Recipients include: Al Ballor Greg Breuckman Joe Denomme Steve Eckhout George Glass Jim Golek Steve Graus Larry Griffin Gary Hahn Jim Lavigne Mike Lemaux Jim Lentz Tom Lilla Dave Malinowski Paul Makar Mike Norgard Dave Randazzo Dick Rogos Mike Schefke Joel Urbin

Always There For The Pilots

I have a long association with the school, dating back to 1961 when I started high school. In some ways, I am showing my gratitude to the school for the excellent education my sons received at the school as well as myself. I still help the Dads’ Club because I like the camaraderie, and I believe in the need for Catholic education. Dads don’t need to be exceptionally talented to help out at school. We all have unique talents, and together we can accomplish great things. We are all part of the Lasallian spirit here. Jim Golek, ‘65, father of Michael, ‘90, and Brian, ‘93 DLS is a great school and it did a lot for my son. I want to give back. I do this because I want to, not because I have to. It’s a good way to meet people, and I’ve met a lot of friends. We “oldtimers” get together for breakfast once a month. I like to keep busy. Mike Norgard, father of Jon, ‘91 Parochial schools need volunteers to function. I just came down and volunteered, and have stayed involved. There’s a sense of fulfillment. The Dads’ Club here is an open organization. Everyone is more than happy to welcome you. I enjoy working with the kids; they help keep you young. The last six or seven years a group of us has been more involved with helping the Athletic Department. Brian Kelly needs a trustworthy group of guys he can count on so he can do his job as Athletic Director. We just enjoy helping out and taking over some of the load. Greg Breuckman, father of Michael, ‘01 I joined the Dads’ Club and hoped to be an example to my son so that he would in turn volunteer and give back. Dads should show support and be involved as their sons go through various phases of their learning. It demonstrates the love and support they have for their sons when they actively show interest in the different areas of their sons’ lives. An involved parent shows they care. I have stayed involved to continue demonstrating that volunteering is a Christian way of life, and hopefully my son will also do this someday with his own children. Joel Urbin, father of Edward, ‘08 I have stayed with the Dads’ Club because it is more than just a club. The camaraderie is awesome, and I fully believe in paying back the school and the Brothers for everything they have done for me and my family. Larry Griffin, father of David ‘06 De La Salle was there for me when my family needed some help. Volunteering is my way of giving back for all that my sons received here at De La Salle. Tom Aldini, father of Lido, ‘10, and Dominic, ‘12

At first, I just attended some meetings, but as I got to see how devoted the dads were to the school, I began helping out. I saw how the dads built trophy cabinets, replaced ceiling tiles, replaced exterior doors, etc., all in an effort to save the school money. Back in April 1998, we had our first Train Show, and now we are preparing for the 17th Annual Show on January 5, 2014. The show nets about $10,000 each year, and the Dads’ Club uses the profits to help finance various projects requested by the school administration. I believe the motto of the alumni dads is “We came, we saw, we stayed.” We see the fine young men who graduate from DLS, including our own sons, and the dedicated Brothers and professionals who run the school. The system works, and we want to remain a part of it. Jim Lavigne, father of David, ‘95, and Matthew, ‘97