SOCIAL: FATHERS OF THE YEAR

This year’s honorees were Randy Gartz, Managing Director of Technology, Recruiting & Consulting at Fairview Search Group; Steve Boland, Managing Director, Head of Consumer Lending at Bank of America; Dwight Gibson, President, Flow Food & Beverage & Industrial at SPX Flow; and Michael Smith, President and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.

The 2019 Fathers of the Year surrounded by their families.

Father of the Year Steve Boland, Managing Director, Head of Consumer Lending at Bank of America.

Father of the Year Steve Boland and his wife, Katrice.

Father of the Year Steve Boland with his wife and children.

Father of the Year Randy Gartz, Managing Director of Technology, Recruiting & Consulting at Fairview Search Group.

Father of the Year Randy Gartz surrounded by his family.

Father of the Year Dwight Gibson, President, Flow Food & Beverage & Industrial at SPX Flow.

Dwight Gibson and his wife, Erika.

Father of the Year Dwight Gibson surrounded by his family.

Father of the Year Michael Smith, President and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.

Father of the Year Michael Smith and his wife, Kathleen.

Father of the Year Michael Smith with his wife and children.

Christina Bickley with the American Diabetes Association in Charlotte surrounded by the Fathers of the Year.

Master of Ceremonies was WCCB New Rising host Derek James.

The auctioneer was Col. Benjamin Farrell.

Olivia Fortson, Dianne Roth and Pat Higgins.

Father of the Year Michael Smith and his family.

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

The Father of the Year Gala presented by the Father’s Day Council to benefit the American Diabetes Association is one of the most special fundraisers of the year because it honors successful businessmen who are also outstanding fathers, and also shines a spotlight on the most important women in their lives who make it all happen: their wives.

This year’s honorees were Steve Boland, Managing Director, Head of Consumer Lending at Bank of America; Randy Gartz, Managing Director of Technology, Recruiting & Consulting at Fairview Search Group; Dwight Gibson, President, Flow Food & Beverage & Industrial at SPX Flow; and Michael Smith, President and CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners.

Master of Ceremonies was WCCB New Rising host Derek James, a dad himself who also writes a monthly parenting column for Charlotte Parent magazine. Auctioneer was Col. Benjamin Farrell.

The 2019 honorees join an impressive list of past Fathers of the Year including Kieth Cockrell, Vinay Patel, Chad Utermark, Carl Armato, Richard “Stick” Williams, Jesse Cureton, Dee O’Dell, Rob Engel, Carlos Evans, Michael Marsicano, Brett Carter, H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler, Scott Clark, Stoney Sellars, Mike Minter, John Tate, Felix Sabates, Al de Molina, Alvaro Gurdian, Sam Mills and Richard Vinroot.

PARTIES: FATHERS OF THE YEAR

The American Diabetes Association's 2017 Fathers of the Year: Kieth Cockrell of Bank of America, Chad Utermark of Nucor and Vinay Patel of SREE Hotels. ALL PHOTOS BY DANIEL COSTON

Since 2001, the annual Father of the Year Awards gala has been a bright spot on Charlotte's social calendar. Presented by the Father's Day Council, the fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association honors top businessmen who are also outstanding fathers. Honorees over the past 16 years include Brett Carter, Jesse Cureton, Al de Molina, Rob Engel, Carlos Evans, Alvaro Gurdian, Michael Marsicano, Felix Sabates and Richard Vinroot.

Dashing dads: The honorees make their entrance in style. 

This year's honorees were Kieth Cockrell of Bank of America; Vinay Patel of SREE Hotels; and Chad Utermark of Nucor. They were celebrated during a reception, dinner and awards ceremony at the Westin attended by their families, friends, business associates and supporters of the American Diabetes Association. The Master of Ceremonies for the black tie optional evening was WBTV anchor Jamie Boll.

Kieth Cockrell with one of the most important women in his life, his beloved former teacher and mentor Juanita Cooke. 

Vinay Patel surrounded by his family. 

Chad Utermark accepts his award. 

Dianne Roth, Jamie Boll and Pat Higgins. 

The event was also a toast to Dianne Roth, director of development for the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas, who retired a few weeks after the fundraiser following 21 years with the nonprofit. She spearheaded the successful event over the years and in the process won the admiration and friendship of many Charlotte's most prominent businessmen and their families.

Dianne Roth with her honorary Father of the Year Award. 

She was surprised by a wonderful tribute given by our Father’s Day Council and the past honorees. Co-chair Pat Phillips presented her with an honorary Father of the Year Award and made the announcement that $25,000 for the American Diabetes Association was raised in honor.

"Being a part of this prestigious group is the greatest professional honor I could have ever imagined, and I am truly touched," said Dianne. "It’s been a privilege to have worked for such an important organization these past 21 years, and most of all to have had the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful business leaders, fathers, and their families in the process. Many have become good friends. I am so blessed to have been in a position to meet wonderful, caring people while at the same time working to support the American Diabetes Association." 

Leslie and Bruce Schlernitzauer.

Future Fathers of the Year?