On behalf of the entire team at The Father Center of New Jersey, it is my honor and privilege to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for making our 21st Annual Platinum Dads Awards an extraordinary evening — one filled with purpose, pride, and the undeniable power of community.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Platinum Dads
First and foremost, we celebrate the five remarkable men at the heart of this evening. To our honorees:
Peter Bullock, Founder of HEY BLACK DAD — Your tireless mission to prepare and empower Black fathers, and your belief that improving paternal engagement strengthens maternal health and family outcomes, is both visionary and vital. Thank you for championing fatherhood in such a powerful way.
Vonzell Kelley, TFCNJ Participant — Your story of resilience and redemption is a testament to the transformative power of commitment and love. After navigating the challenges of reentry, you enrolled in our Skills2Prosper program and earned a management position at Commercial Cleaning Corp. — but more than that, you showed up for your children. You are living proof of what’s possible.
Carlos Paz, Owner of New Life Driving School — Your dedication to building a business while being a present, engaged father exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and the strength of purpose-driven fatherhood. You remind us that success means nothing without family.
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC, CEO & President of Fathers & Families Coalition of America — A globally acclaimed leader, sought-after expert in behavioral health and father engagement, proud father, soldier, social worker, and Boricua — your lived-experience approach to empowering children, families and communities is an inspiration to all of us.
Dr. Glenn B. Lang, Recipient of the Robert E. Alston Legacy of Fatherhood Award — As former Assistant Secretary of Higher Education and Executive Director of New Jersey’s Educational Opportunity Fund, you helped more than 43,000 students earn college degrees. Yet among all your extraordinary accomplishments, you consider your greatest role to be that of father and grandfather. That says everything. We are honored to continue the legacy of the late Robert E. Alston — with the heartfelt support of Gloria Alston — through this recognition of you.
Gentlemen, your stories inspire every father who will come through our doors in the years ahead. Congratulations.
A Profound Thank You to Our Sponsors
None of this would be possible without the generous investment of our sponsors. Your financial support and belief in our mission allow us to continue serving fathers across New Jersey — helping men develop the skills, confidence, and resources to be present, engaged, and loving parents. Your partnership transforms lives, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to stronger fathers and stronger families.
Gold Sponsors: NJM Insurance Group, Genmab, and Capital Health
Silver Sponsors: NRG Energy, Job One Contracting, Provident Bank, Parx Casino, and Springhouse Group LTD
Bronze Sponsors: African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, The O’Connor Group, United Way of Greater Mercer County, William Rauh, and Karen Andrade-Mims
Additional Supporters: Bank of America, Alan Johnson, the Maurice Coleman Father Legacy Donation, and David & Allison Howe
Gratitude to Our Board of Trustees
To our Board of Trustees — Nathalie S. Nelson, David Howe, Victoria Hosendorf, Rev. Gerald L. Truehart II, Joanie Page, Alan Johnson, Dr. Surabhi Dangi-Garimella, Nina Melker, William E. Rauh, John Santana, Christopher Vega, Rodney Emerson, and Shaun Mickus — Your governance, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to this organization’s mission are the backbone of everything we do. Thank you for your tireless service and for making this milestone celebration possible.
To the TFCNJ Team
To our incredible staff and volunteers — Your passion, creativity, and dedication behind the scenes brought this evening to life. The care and professionalism you bring to everything you do is a direct reflection of your love for this mission and the men and families we serve. I am endlessly proud to work alongside each of you.
Thank You to Our Event Committee
A special thank you to the dedicated members of our Event Committee — Karen Andrade-Mims, Alan Johnson, Jeff Richardson, Nina Melker, Darryl Rivers, Dawn Smith, Edward Bullock, and Gail Rose — whose months of planning, coordination, and tireless effort behind the scenes made the 21st Annual Platinum Dads Awards the exceptional evening it was. From managing sponsorships and ticket logistics to curating the silent auction, coordinating program flow, and handling every detail in between — your commitment and creativity were evident in every moment of the night. This event simply would not happen without you, and we are deeply grateful.
A Special Thank You to Our Elected Officials
We are deeply honored by the recognition extended to our Platinum Dads by our elected officials. A heartfelt thank you to the Office of New Jersey State Senator Shirley Turner, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, and City of Burlington Mayor Barry Conaway for honoring our men with citations. Your recognition affirms that the work of fatherhood matters — not only to families, but to our communities and our leaders. We are grateful for your partnership and your commitment to celebrating the men who are making a difference.
The Team at Trenton Country Club
Our deep appreciation goes to the team at Trenton Country Club for their exceptional hospitality and professionalism. From the beautiful setting to the impeccable service, you created an atmosphere that was truly worthy of the remarkable men and women we gathered to honor. Thank you for being such a gracious and talented host.
A Special Note of Thanks to Violinist John Clay
The evening was elevated to something truly memorable by the extraordinary talent of violinist John Clay. Your music touched every heart in the room, perfectly capturing the spirit of celebration, joy, and hope that defined this night. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
To All Who Attended and Supported
To every guest, donor, and supporter who joined us — Your presence and generosity mean the world to us. Events like this remind us that when a community comes together around a shared belief in the power of fatherhood, extraordinary things happen. You are the reason our mission continues to grow and thrive.
As we celebrate 21 years of the Platinum Dads Awards, we are more committed than ever to our work — building stronger fathers, stronger families, and stronger communities across New Jersey. This evening reaffirms why that work matters, and why it will continue.
With profound gratitude and warm regards,
Bryan Adé Evans
Chief Executive Officer
The Father Center of New Jersey
