Q&A with Dan’s Donuts with Dad

1. Dan’s Donuts with Dad: What is it all about and why should CP neighbors get involved?

DDWD is all about celebrating the joy of fatherhood. The concept started with several friends getting together with their kids and allowing the mothers to enjoy some time alone. It has evolved into an organization that promotes fatherhood in Central Florida. DDWD organizes free events for the community and supports other organizations in the area. College Park neighbors should want to get involved because DDWD is a representation of what makes CP so great. People come to CP because it is a tight community. How great is it to walk outside and see kids playing on the streets, families walking to local restaurants, and houses participating in holiday events? They say it takes a village to raise a kid. Well CP is an amazing village that should want to see the children of Central Florida thrive.

2. What made you decide on Trunk or Treat for your first annual Halloween event?

We decided to do trunk or treat because it was fun, and College Park has always had such an energy surrounding Halloween. It also allowed us to introduce local businesses (those who did the trunks) with the community (those who came to get treats). When we choose activities to do we want them to be fun, involve dads, and positively impact the community.

3. What kind of planning went into it on the front end that would be interesting or notable for readers?

What kind of planning went into it on the front end that would be interesting or notable for readers? The most notable planning went into getting trunks that were all different. We were initially concerned that we might get several of the same ideas. However, the ideas were creative and each so different. It was amazing what our community can do when you give them a creative license. The other planning was trying to estimate the amount of kids that would come. The more kids, the more trunks we wanted. It was a continued exercise in, do we have enough?

4. How many people total attended (approx)? How many children total attended (approx)?

We had over 100 people and at least 60 kids.

5. Was there a “best trunk” winner?

We had 16 trunks that ranged from Charlie Brown, Minecraft, Pirates, and even a table where kids got to touch “brains” and “eyes”. The best trunk went to Phil Walton of Omni Maintenance Services Inc. He turned his truck into a farm with a bag toss where kids could earn extra candy.

6. How many trunks were decorated? Was there a “best trunk” winner?

We had 16 trunks that ranged from Charlie Brown, Minecraft, Pirates, and even a table where kids got to touch “brains” and “eyes”. The best trunk went to Phil Walton of Omni Maintenance Services Inc. He turned his truck into a farm with a bag toss where kids could earn extra candy.

7. What did the people who attended Trunk or Treat have to say about it?

Alan said: I usually must work at night. I feel like I miss out on Halloween and seeing the kids all dressed up. This event allowed me to see what I normally don’t get to see.

Mason said: I loved that those who made trunks were teaching their children that the most important thing you can do in life is in giving, not receiving. It was so much fun seeing the children go from car to car.

Aaron said: I was new to the area and recently divorced. I don’t know a lot of other parents. This was great and gave me an opportunity to do “dad” things without feeling out of place. Thank you so much for putting this event on.