LAMORINDA WEEKLY | New Local Dads Group Focuses on Giving Back to Others


From left, Matt Griffin, Brian Britton, Colin Harter stand with their group's mascot, LAMA. Photo provided

Many Lamorinda families will say that fathers today are more involved than ever in their children's lives. But one local group of dads is taking it a step further, proving that they are not only helping out at home, but in the community at large.

It all started when a group of friends got together in January and the conversation turned to ways in which they individually give back to the community. They started to realize that, having concentrated most of their time establishing their careers, they could and should be doing more now to give back. From this conversation, Lamorinda Gives Back was born.

This small group of men each sent emails to encourage others who might be interested and before they knew it the group had grown to 75 men, 90 percent of whom are from within the Lamorinda area - and most of them dads - clearly demonstrating the need for such an organization. The board meets on a monthly basis, with the mission to provide social outreach around Lamorinda.

Brian Britton is president of the board, which consists of 14 members who come from a variety of backgrounds, from high-tech to law enforcement. This variety of background and talent is key to the huge potential for success of the new group. As Britton reflected on their first meetings he said they realized that, "Collectively, we can do more."

Britton said the board had identified the three main veins for their focus: education, battered women and children, and the under-privileged. While not governed by city limits, LGB benefits organizations mostly located in Contra Costa County. It is not affiliated with just one single charity and members have a direct influence on where resources are focused.

One of its first philanthropic activities was a clothing drive, collecting professional clothes to donate to Wardrobe for Opportunity, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting low-income individuals in their efforts to find employment. Lamorinda Gives Back collected over 250 articles of clothing from the one drive, providing clothing for 25 low-income people for job interviews.

Most recently in July LGB held its First Annual Summer Field Party with the fun theme of "Bluegrass. Barbecue. Bourbon." Attended by 160 people and sponsored by several local businesses, they raised over $20,000 for Shelter Inc., a local nonprofit focusing on housing. Future philanthropic events are in the planning stages.

"The need is not just financial," said board member Ryan Harley. He made the point that the group has plenty of manpower available and are prepared to give time also, for example painting, fixing and generally helping where needed. He said that there is a wealth of talent among the 75 members.

The organization even has its own mascot - a llama that named LAMA (derived from "Lamorinda").

There has been significant interest in Lamorinda Gives Back, especially since it opened up a "suggestions" section on its website giving people the opportunity to suggest recommendations on where to focus efforts.

Residents can sign up for its newsletter and find out more about upcoming activities and events on its website at www.lamorindagivesback.org.

Meanwhile, the group is planning a holiday event, which will be an opportunity to get together with friends and the community while benefitting a good cause.

These dads know what they're doing.