Dion Ford was named the 2014 Father of the Year at a Tribute to Fathers event held during the weekend by Gina Spence Productions.

Mr Ford was selected based on a story written by his seven-year-old daughter, Zariyah Daniels Ford, who described her father’s commitment, love and dedication to his children in the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident on Father’s Day last year.

The event, hosted by Wayne Caines, Dwayne Caines and Deshay Caines, also honoured several organisations dedicated to supporting men, including Child Watch, Impact Mentoring Academy, Alpha Phi Alpha, Fathers Resource Center, Calling All Men and Harbour Light Programme.

Proceeds from the event will assist Gina Spence Production’s “Champions Programme”, aimed at helping children who have lost their fathers to gun violence with counselling, healthy food items, school uniforms and educational scholarships.

Ms Spence thanked those who were involved in making the event a success, including all the fathers who took part.

Hundreds were nominated for the first-time event, she said.

“Our objective was to shine a light brightly on those fathers who are doing positive things for their families and their children — and there are a lot more of them than those who do not.”