The Penny Way and Carver Center Team Up to Inspire Fathers and Sons
Fathers, father figures and their sons are invited to come together for an evening of connection, inspiration and fun at the Father Son Ballout Ball, hosted by The Penny Way at the Carver Community Center on Sunday, Dec. 22.
This event is designed to inspire fathers and sons to strengthen their emotional bonds while engaging in meaningful activities. Guests can enjoy food and desserts, interactive games, music from a DJ and an inspiring message from JC Barnett III, the executive director of the Carver Community Center.
The Penny Way, a basketball mentorship program founded by Antonio Penny, focuses on mentoring youth through basketball, emphasizing life skills beyond the court. Penny explains this mission as exploring “what happens when the ball deflates.” The program equips Kokomo and Logansport community youth with tools to succeed in life, even after sports.
Antonio Penny (L) JC Barnett III (R) Stand in front of the Carver Community Center 2024
Photo Provided | Carver Community Center
For Penny, this event holds personal importance.
“This event is super significant for me because my mother kind of raised us four while my father was in the streets, but he’s changed his life now,” Penny said.
The partnership between Penny and Barnett was forged through mutual admiration for each other’s community-focused efforts. Barnett, who became executive director of the Carver Community Center in April 2024, saw the Ballout Ball as an opportunity to align with The Penny Way’s mission to support youth and families.
“I can see his heart. He wears it on his sleeve,” Barnett said of Penny. “What he’s doing, particularly for fathers and sons, is something that, prior to him, there was not a whole lot going on. There’s just not that kind of attention on making that connection and that relationship between boys and their fathers.”
The event is a testament to the growing partnership between The Penny Way and the Carver Community Center. Both leaders envision more collaborative opportunities to engage families and youth.
Barnett shared his excitement about using the Carver Community Center as a hub for events like this.
“This being the community center that it is and being the staple that it is, these doors are going to be open for a lot of people,” Barnett said. “It’s a haven for young people and families, and it presents opportunities to grow relationships between fathers and sons.”
Penny echoed Barnett’s enthusiasm.
“I’m very excited for what’s to come,” he said. “We’re gonna really get this ball rolling and have a very successful end of the year and then start the year with a bang. Big things coming. 2025, here we go.”
The Father-Son Ballout Ball promises to be an evening of inspiration and engagement, where fathers and sons can come together to build stronger connections while enjoying a variety of activities.
For more information about the event or to RSVP, click here.