As part of the Ultimate Golden Dads contest, we are picking weekly winners to spotlight some of the nominated father's. These dads will recieve a 4 pc stainless steel grilling set, a grilling cookbook, a grilling apron, and a collection of great music from Rendezvous recording artists. It's the ultimate chillin' and grillin' package!
Below are our weekly winners:

 
Ultimate Golden Dad #1: Todd Hall - San Marcos, TX
"Jennifer and Todd were married in 1998. On April 21, 2000, their first child, Madison, was born and both Jenny and Todd felt like they were so blessed. Eight weeks later, June 16, Jenny died of a sudden illness, leaving Todd, at 26, to raise a baby girl on his own. He was devastated to lose Jenny, and he felt so overwhelmed to face the future without her. But every day he became stronger, and every day, he loved Madi more. He has become a wonderful Dad. He makes time for her every day, teaching her everything from how to walk, to how to act in public. She has never felt unloved or insecure because she knows that her dada loves her and will always take care of her. She also knows her mommy, through pictures and stories . On the 5th anniversary of Jenny's death, Todd took Madi to the cemetery, where Madi wrote notes to her mommy on balloons and then released them to heaven. Jenny would have been so proud of Todd for the way he is raising Madi andthe kind of man he has become. He is his daughter's champion and hero."
-Nominated by Karen Hall

Madison & Todd Hall
Todd & Madison in the Cayman Islands
 
Ultimate Golden Dad #2: Chuck Gray- Oxnard, CA
Since birth, our father Chuck Gray has been the best dad there could ever be. Since we were small he has instilled more values and self respect than we could use in a lifetime. His discipline and life lessons has made us the women we are today. Since we were young, my father has given his all to his girls. He made sure we were clothed and fed at all times as we were growing up. My father is a Booking Officer so there were many months that he had to work nights and he made sure that when we got home from school in the day time, he'd spend quality time with us and play with us before he headed off to work. Many times he sacrificed his sleep to do this. Not only that, he made sure we were bathed and fed by the time my mother got home from work so she didn't have to do much else in the evening time but put us to bed.
Now that we are grown women, my dad doesn't have to work as hard as he did, but he makes sure to let us know that he is still here for us. My dad is a grocery store shop-a- holic so any time we go up to visit, he makes sure that we never leave empty handed.
That's our dad, he has a heart of gold and is so unselfish. We are all so fortunate to have him as a father. He has showed us undying love his entire life. We love our father and I hope he knows how much we appreciate him.
-Nominated by LaToya Gray
 



Chuck Gray with his three daughters Erika, LaToya, Gale, and grandaughter Jadelynn.


 

Ultimate Golden Dad #3: Scott Byers - Fresno, CA
My husband has worked hard to be a loving father to his 5 sons and 2 daughters ages 9-26. He has forged his own journey on the road to fatherhood and succeeded. His kids are his life. He was the only one who could quiet his colicky babies while dancing with them to ""YMCA"" at 1 a.m. He has sat patiently in a cold car in winter with a child too shy to get out to go into the party. Whenever he gets extra spending money he buys treats for his kids. He gets up at 3:30 a.m. to help one of his kids get to work. He takes another to every football practice and watches in the heat! He buys cat, dog,and lizard food even though he isn't fond of the animals! Whenever one of his kids is having a hard time he is there with words of encouragement, or a ride or a hug. He is proud of and believes in each one of his children.

-Nominated by Marianne Beyrs


Scott and Family: (from left to right) Noah, Jacob, Micah, Ian, Marianne (Mom), Autumn, Toby and Scott

 

Ultimate Golden Dad #4: Cedric Nash- Asheville, NC
I am nominating my Dad for the Ultimate Golden Dad because he has always been there for my brother and I from the time we were born. My dad served in the military as a single parent, and still made time to take care of us and raise us to be caring young men. Dad exudes caring. We learned what it means to be men from dad. I am now 21 and my brother is 16, and we feel that without our dad being there in the rough times, we would not be the citizens we are today. Dad is an awesome cook. This trait has now rubbed off on my brother and me. Dad is great at housework--guess he learned that in the Army, but so did we. Dad is an awesome teacher. He went from being a soldier and caring for us to becoming a teacher and helping to inspire the children in the city where we live. Our Dad is what we think a dad should be

-Nominated by Varian & Aaron Nash


Cedric and his two sons Varian and Aaron

 

Ultimate Golden Dad #5: Richard Trout - Colorado Springs, CO
My dad is golden, and this is why...
He loves me no matter what, till the day I die.
He's taught me to love, he's taught me to learn.
He's taught me that respect is something you earn.

He always has time for my troubles and cares,
His wisdom and compassion he thoughtfully shares.
When I am wrong he shows me the way,
A cross word or criticism he will never say.

He sacrificed opportunities, to enable mine.
His wants and desires were always second in line.
My frights were calmed, my tears were dried.
I could never repay him, though Iíve tried and tried.

I am a better parent, because of this man.
He is honorable and good - I am his biggest fan.
I watch my children as they delight in his glow,
I am so fortunate that his love they were privileged to know.

So thank you, Dad, for all you've done.
For the love, the learning, the caring and fun.
You are truly golden, I love you so much.
I will never forget the feeling of my little hand in your clutch.

-Nominated by Andrea Marker

 

Ultimate Golden Dad #6: Dan O'Brien - Powell, OH
Dan has been a devoted father since the birth of our firstborn, seven years ago. Little did Dan know what was in for us. As life unfolded, our firstborn son was diagnosed with Autism, our daughter, Sarah, was diagnosed with a heart condition and Mom stugggled with depression. Through it all, Dan has been supportive, loving, and optomistic...even in very difficult times. After a long day at work, Dan still devotes himself 100% to his family and is mindful to carve out special "daddy time" with one of the children...be it sneaking out to White Castle's Drive Thru in the middle of the night with David (the night owl!) or playing Elmo's Preschool with Sarah. Dan makes each child feel loved, valued and appreciated, no matter what chaos may be happening around us. Additionally, he is a loving husband who treats his wife (me!) like a princess. We thank our lucky stars that Dan is in our lives...he is the best!

-Nominated by Carolyn O'Brien


Dan O'Brien and his two children