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Florida Man Preparing to Hike 4,400 Miles on behalf of Fathers in America
Publish Date : 11/20/2004 4:54:00 PM   Source : American Local News Onlypunjab.com

William Bateman, a father of eleven from south Florida, is launching a national media event called "Hike4Fathers" to draw attention to the importance of fatherhood in America. He is planning to hike the 4,428 mile Eastern Continental Trail from Canada to Key West, Florida beginning May 1st, 2005.

A veteran long distance hiker, Bateman had previously hiked more than 1,000 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail on behalf of Florida’s abused and abandoned children in 2002. This time, Mr. Bateman is hiking more than 4,400 miles along the eastern coast of North America to promote the valuable role fathers need to play in the family. He was inspired by the many stories of dads and youth alike he met on the trail, who lamented their lack of bonding between one another. Most voiced their heartbreak over missed opportunities to spend more time together.

Mr. Bateman believes that a father’s influence in the traditional family began to wane during the economic boom experienced immediately following the end of World War II. The guarantee of long term careers and the accumulation of wealth fooled tens of thousands of young dads into shifting their fatherhood responsibilities from mentoring to obtaining material possessions. That generations decision to raise capital versus responsible parents has created a catastrophic tearing apart of the family unit.

Bateman goes on to explain that "There are many fine social and church related programs out there attempting to fill the void left by absentee fathers... but, none of these programs can really replace what only a father is qualified to give a child- his love, faith and affirmation."

"There is good news though for today's young dads and youth." states Mr. Bateman. "Because our fathers and grandfathers bankrupted our ability to make a living or to gather social security- we are no longer seduced by the spector of wealth and instead beginning to desire a return to the simpler life and faith of our nation's forefathers. This has created a groundswell of support for a national fatherhood initiative that correctly places the position and responsibility for raising families squarely on the shoulders of dads who want to become better fathers."

Mr. Bateman resides in south Florida. He and his wife Elaine, have worked with single-parent families and abused and abandoned youth for many years. They are activily involved in various church related family mentoring issues, specifically working with families suffering the ravages of separation, divorce and remarriage.

For additional information about William “Spanky” Bateman, his effort to hike the Eastern Continental Trail or to arrange interviews or speaking engagements, please visit his website at: http://www.abovetheclouds.cc. His effort is being privately funded by caring friends concerned about the role fathers need to play in their children’s lives