AMERICUS —  On June 2, more than 15 community male leaders and a number of young males from Americus and Sumter County took part in Phoebe Sumter Medical Center’s annual Ties That Bind, an event that doesn’t just teach the boys how to tie a tie, but also forms meaningful bonds.
Ties That Bind is a luncheon that was designed in observance of Men’s Health Week (June 12-18) and Father’s Day (June 18). The event gathers local male leaders with male youth from the community.
“Some of these youths do not have father figures in their lives, and the luncheon allows us to pair a community leader with a child. The leaders not only teach the children how to tie a tie, but they also get a chance to eat lunch and talk to them as well. We started having this ceremony in 2011 and once again it was a very successful event and everyone who came out had a great time,” said Marcus Johnson, Phoebe Sumter director of Community Relations.

WALB Sports Anchor and Media Journalist, Theo Dorsey, served as keynote speaker. He encouraged the young men to dress for success and always be ready for the moment when it presents itself.
“We can’t thank all of our community leaders enough for taking time out of their busy schedules to come and support this event,” said Johnson. “Kids were able to see men of all professions at one time and they were there just for them, and that is something that they will remember. Our kids are that important and we want to do everything we can to support them as they become the future leaders of our community.”