Jeff Zaugg, the founder of Christian ministry dadAWESOME, is set to organize his Fathers For the Fatherless fundraiser for the fourth consecutive year to raise money to combat fatherlessness around the world. According to The Christian Post, Zaugg has drawn fathers to his cause by combining it with a cycling event to raise money and bring awareness to the problem facing families worldwide. Through Fathers For the Fatherless, money is raised for Venture, a nonprofit working to address fatherlessness in under-served communities, as well as local organizations with a similar goal.
According to The Christian Post, “Fathers For The Fatherless hosts rides across the country in late summer and throughout the fall in which groups of men bike 100 miles to raise money to combat fatherlessness worldwide. The rides are, as the website says, ‘in response to our Heavenly Father’s heart for the fatherless.'” When Zaugg initially launched efforts to address fatherlessness and enhance the role of fathers in their children’s lives, he did not feel as though he was making a deep enough connection with his target community. However, he soon found that combining his cause with physical fitness attracted fathers to participate and his success has led him to continue his efforts.
Venture, the nonprofit receiving 50% of the funds raised, focuses on supporting target areas that receive less than 1% of all Christian giving. Their efforts include addressing issues with human trafficking, refugee crises, and extreme poverty. Through their work Venture provides food security, education, rescue and safety, and discipleship to the communities they serve.
Zaugg shared that he has seen the efforts of his Fathers For the Fatherless fundraiser extend beyond its intentional purpose. The families who participate have reported improvements in their marriages and lifelong friendships made all while embracing their faith and God’s love. The bike rides for this year begin on August 27 and will continue throughout the fall.