Dad's Club

It is claimed, The Birney Dad’s Club was formed way back in the 1950s by dads who were waiting around for their wives who were at the school PTA meeting. It began as an informal group of dads who wanted to support and contribute to Birney Elementary. Organizing and sponsoring events for the students, families and community became the core mission of the club, and was written into the charter years later when the club was formalized as a non-profit organization.

Throughout the more than 65 years of the club’s existence members have provided many opportunities for achievement, building character and citizenship, recreation, and fostering pride in school and community. The list is long and amazing in its variety and creativity. Some events are no longer done, some are new, started by the current members, and a few have withstood the test of the passing decades.

Long time city resident may recall the Dad’s Club floats entered in the annual Huck Finn Day parade. Perhaps you were or know a Dadette, a cheer team sponsored by the club for several years. The club helped support the dreams of many little league ball players, sponsoring teams for both the RBA and the Mary Loehr Softball leagues. Families looked forward to summer camping and fishing in the mountains as well as the annual bike ride to El Dorado Park via the San Gabriel River trail for a day long picnic. The Dad’s Club famous pancake breakfast was served almost from the beginning, and the club is looking into reviving this popular tradition.

The Dad’s Club carries on many honored traditions. Club members can be seen at the school’s yearly Fall Carnival, selling tickets, helping staff, and providing security in their bright orange vests. During Fourth of July, the club raises money for the entire year’s activities with the Dad’s Club fireworks stand. On Christmas Eve, the Dad’s Club teams with Santa Claus and Los Angeles County Fire Station 25 in Pico Rivera, to deliver gifts to special needs and handicapped children throughout the city. Five plaques, one for each decade, hang in the Captain’s office of Fire Station 25, honoring the teamwork and respect of our local heroes. Each year representatives of the Dad’s Club attend the El Rancho High School Scholarship awards banquet to proudly award scholarships to graduating seniors who are also former Birney Bulldogs. The club is also the proud steward of the Alice Curtis Scholarship.

Today new traditions are being made, with the Dad’s sponsoring popular events such as Wii Dance Night, inviting food trucks to school events, and helping to run the school wide Fun Day in May. The Alice M. Birney Dad’s Club can be found on Facebook at Birney Dads Club or contacted via email: [email protected] or phone: (562) 395-0501.

Come and be part of a strong Birney Bulldog tradition!

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