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At the historic Maxwell House in Pasadena, the StrongHome Foundation hosted a heartfelt and empowering celebration in honor of Father’s Day, spotlighting the strength, leadership, and unwavering love of fathers who have led their families through hardship and healing.

The annual StrongHome Father’s Day Brunch, hosted by FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Hill and celebrated comedian Buddy Lewis, welcomed an audience of community leaders, fathers, VIP guests, and families for an afternoon of laughter, reflection, and connection. The event followed the foundation’s equally impactful Mother’s Day “Rest & Relief Brunch,” which honored women affected by the recent LA wildfires.

       (L–R): Buddy Lewis, Flex Alexander, Mike Hill, Jeff Reed, Warryn Campbell, and Cuttino Mobley

                 Photo Credit: Kassha Brown

Select cigars provided by Liga Tridente Cigars, courtesy of owner Marlon Wayans
Photograph by Kassha Brown

“Dads, we didn’t forget about you,” said Melissa Reed, co-founder of StrongHome, a nonprofit dedicated to family support and recovery. “We want to celebrate fathers who show up, lead with love, and carry their families through adversity. These men deserve to be honored, uplifted, and reminded that they are seen and appreciated.”

Celebrating Fatherhood with Heart and Humor

Co-Host Buddy Lewis set the tone with laughter, sharing both comedic anecdotes and deeper reflections on what it means to bring healing through humor. “Being here and making people laugh—especially men who may be carrying unspoken pain—is healing,” Lewis said.“Laughter can change your day and shift how you move through tough situations.” When asked can he gives some insight on how to overcome challenges as a girl dad he stated, “Find ways to maneuver through life but be mindful that the world may not be kind as you but I will be here to support you”.

The proud father of a Pepperdine graduate, Lewis joked about his tradition of waking his daughter up by singing a song he called “Wake Up My Fairy Princess” —a memory that now lives as both an inside joke and cherished legacy.

Co-Host Mike Hill, who has built his career as a journalist, author, and media personality, brought emotional depth to his intimate chat with Sheen Magazine. Reflecting on the day his daughter was born, Hill shared, “You are about to make me cry…Out of all the titles you can give me—host, author, broadcaster—the one that means the most is father. Holding my daughter for the first time changed everything. Upon seeing my first child Ashley I thought, she is mine..And at that moment my goal became one of creating and leaving a legacy for my children’s children. Hill also spoke candidly about therapy and mental health, stating, “Mental health is often stigmatized in our community, but going to therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of commitment and doing the necessary work. “Therapy helped me see my blind spots. I’ve made mistakes, but being a father is about learning,   evolving, and loving with intention.”

Legacy in Action 

Among the honorees was Warryn Campbell, Grammy-winning producer, pastor, and husband of gospel artist Erica Campbell. Known for his work with industry giants like Alicia Keys and Kanye West, Campbell shared how fatherhood shapes every aspect of his life. Being a father is a divine assignment,” he said. “My kids are my gifts. My own dad and grandfather, both Air Force veterans, were my example. If I can be even 10% of who my father was, I’ll consider myself successful.”Campbell also shared a defining conversation with his father about balancing faith and career: “I once told him I wanted to stop making secular music. He said, ‘Son, your occupation is how you feed your family. Your salvation is how you live your life.’ That changed my perspective.”

Actor and entertainer Flex Alexander, best known for his role in One on One, echoed similar themes. Honored for his role as a present and devoted father, Alexander reflected on his upbringing, crediting his grandmother, mother, and extended family for laying the foundation.When asked how he navigates the unique pressures that come with being a Black man—balancing the roles of husband and father while facing medical challenges, financial stress, and the weight of mental health Flex Alexander paused, then chuckled.“Golf,” he said with a smile. “It’s my happy place. It gives me peace.”Flex went on to acknowledge the silent burdens many men, particularly Black fathers, carry daily.“There’s so much we hold in..so many expectations we place on ourselves. I’ve learned to give myself permission to breathe. Whether it’s hitting the golf course, catching a movie, or talking with a therapist, I make space to care for my own well-being. That’s how I stay grounded.

(L-R)Flex Alexander & son Elijah Alexander

                   Photo Credit: Kassha Brown

Real Talk on Responsibility and Recovery

Cuttino Mobley, former NBA star and host of Dad’s Point of View, brought a grounded and practical tone to the brunch. A longtime advocate for men’s mental health and presence in the workplace home, Mobley offered words of wisdom rooted in real experience, reminding fathers to lead with presence and purpose.

Meanwhile, Jeff Reed, co-founder of StrongHome, spoke with heartfelt admiration for his wife, Melissa Reed, crediting her vision and tireless work in curating events that uplift and empower the community. Reflecting on his own upbringing, Jeff shared that he was raised without his biological father but found guidance and strength in his grandfather. That experience, he said, deeply informs how he approaches fatherhood today. Being a father and learning how to impart into my son is one of my greatest joys. It’s a chance to give them something I didn’t have and to be intentional about the love, leadership, and legacy I pass on.”He added that the Father’s Day Brunch was created as a space for men to pause, reflect, and be reminded of their value. “I’m honored to help provide a moment for these men to rest, find some relief, and recharge.

(L-R)Strong Home Founders (Melissa & Jeff Reed) 

Today was about showing them love and letting them know they are seen, respected, and appreciated. This work is personal. I want to create the kind of support for others that I once wished I had.”

He introduced “Dominate Influence”, a new StrongHome initiative focused on empowering men through leadership, healing, and faith. It can be accessed by their website http://www.stronghomenetwork.com.

Honoring the Real VIPs

VIP guests were treated to a luxury brunch experience complete with custom swag bags, special gifts, and exclusive access—all as a tribute to the fathers who continue to stand tall despite adversity.

From candid storytelling to moving testimonies, the Father’s Day Brunch was more than just an event it was a powerful reminder that fatherhood, in all its forms, deserves to be celebrated, supported, and seen. To learn more about the StrongHome Foundation or join its upcoming programs, visit https://www.stronghomenetwork.com/

Photograph by: Matt Beard