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IAmDad365, a small Black-owned business break-in.

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Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Members,

IAmDad365, a small Black-owned business committed to serving our community, is in urgent need of your support. There have been a string of break-ins in the area and on September 22, 2024, our store was unfortunately broken into—a heartbreaking event that could have been avoided. Just weeks earlier, on August 28, 2024, we were denied a grant that would have funded the installation of rolling security shutters, a critical measure we needed to protect the business.

Our goal is to raise $8,000 to install these rolling shutters and increase our security to ensure that IAmDad365 remains a safe and thriving space for our customers and community. Your contributions will directly help us secure the necessary equipment to prevent future break-ins and safeguard our fatherhood mission.

The Story Behind IAmDad365: IAmDad365 was born from the fervent desire to promote fatherhood, restore our fractured communities, and reintroduce moral responsibility to our collective conscience. It stands as a testament to the enduring belief that fathers are not just providers, but also role models, mentors, and the anchors our society desperately needs. The business’s origin is deeply rooted in a family of 18 children, a father’s love, and an unyielding belief in the transformative power of being a dad. Gary L. Lewis, Sr. grew up in a household with 13 siblings and experienced firsthand the profound influence of a strong and loving father. His dad instilled in him the immense benefits of parenthood and the responsibilities that come with it. Having a strong and amazing dad is the foundation of IAmDad365. The vision for IAmDad365 also came after a heartbreaking loss when Gary’s third mentee tragically lost his life to gun violence—taken too soon, like so many before him. This grief and reflection compelled Gary to do more to save our youth. He recognized a disturbing correlation between violence and the absence of a father or father figure in the lives of so many young individuals. IAmDad365 stands as a beacon of hope and positive change by promoting the critical role of fatherhood.

A Turning Point: In 2022, Sundays on State became a pivotal platform for IAmDad365, offering unparalleled opportunities and exposure. Through this award-winning event series, Gary connected with people from diverse walks of life. Attendees embraced the apparel brand, not just for its quality, but for the compelling backstory of fostering a positive global movement of dedicated dads united in their commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Why We Need Your Help: As a small business, every challenge is felt deeply, but the support of our community has always given us the strength to push through. We’ve always believed in uplifting others, and now we need your help to protect what we’ve built for the community.

Your donation, no matter the size, will make a tremendous difference in helping us reach our goal. Let’s come together and ensure that IAmDad365 continues to serve the community in a safe and secure environment! Thank you for your generosity, support, and love.

- Gary L. Lewis, Sr. Owner, IAmDad365
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Donations 

  • Yolanda Fleming
    • $100
    • 4 mos
  • Tonya Sompalli
    • $200
    • 4 mos
  • Laurie Ouding
    • $50
    • 4 mos
  • Gary Lewis
    • $100
    • 4 mos
  • Stephanie Tarr
    • $100
    • 4 mos
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Organizer

Gary L. Lewis Sr.
Organizer
Chicago, IL

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