The IHOP "I Dad" Contest

In an IHOP world, dads rule. To celebrate dads this year, IHOP invited guests to tell us why they their dads in 250 words or less.


The Winners

Katie K. Parma Heights, Ohio I "heart" my dad because he has always been there for me. Throughout my years of school, my dad has supported me nonstop. Since I was three I used to go to breakfast with him and every time we have gone, it has been memorable. Breakfast with my dad has been a tradition for a long time. Breakfast time is something that we do to bond, and to keep up with each others lives. Whether we have breakfast in the park, or in a restaurant, it is always special. My dad has loved me unconditionally for twenty-one years and he means the world to me and is my best friend. We have had numerous special moments, great conversations and a great breakfast while being at IHOP. I heart my dad! Kari W. Provo, Utah My Dad is the BEST! He is always thinking of others, and never takes for himself. He has served the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, and has given countless hours to many young men. He continually helps other families out who are in need and is always giving to others. I've seen him go without new shoes (which he needed) to buy things for others who he felt needed it more. He digs the IHOP breakfast, and I think it would be fun for him to get something like this. Either way, I hope you know he is a great Dad. Abigail P. Vergennes, Vermont My dad's name is Andre, and he just celebrated his 55th birthday. I love my dad because he is the hardest working person that I know. He has been a farmer his entire life. The thing about being a farmer is that you learn to be a carpenter, a banker, a plumber, an electrician, and a veterinarian during your life time. My father and his brothers run one of the largest dairy farms in Vermont. My dad gave me the best wedding this year that any girl could ever ask for. I hope that you pick my dad because he is so kind to people and animals. Our dairy heard is well loved, fed and cared for. He has 2 black labs and a chocolate lab. I have seen him find hurt animals and nurse them back to life. He helped build our local fire department. My dad is a great person with good morals. I love my dad very much. Laurie-Ann B. Forest Hills, New York My father truly defined his title by how he lives his life and how he treats his children and family. He is "Fatherly", "Admirable", "Thoughtful", "Honest", "Enlightening" and "Reliable". My father from as far back as I can remember truly lives for us. He never asks for anything and is completely content with just his family. Our house was always full of warmth and love, and he always put us first. He is extremely generous, loving and talented. He always shares with his children, even though we are grown and out of the house, he always takes care of us. Our parents are our most loyal and truest friends. My father has been there for me through good times and bad in my life. He recently lost his mother, and I often think about how heart breaking losing a parent is. No matter what the age of your parent is, they are always going to be your mother or your father and that place in your heart can never be replaced. My father has truly been an inspiration and a wonderful figure in my life. I will always be Daddy's Little Girl!! Seth T. Brockport, New York I was born with something called Asperger's syndrome (a mild form of autism). A typical person with this disability has a very tough life. Most end up working basic jobs, never getting a college degree and many live with their parents their whole life. I went through a very tough childhood and got into lots of trouble. However, my dad would not let me fail. My dad, Richard, believed that through hard work I could be very successful. My father would not give up. At 18 I went off to college and thrived. Today I have a college degree, sell real estate investments for a living and have defied the odds and become successful. I never make excuses for my behavior and have learned how to act like an average 22 year old would act. Nobody can even tell I have Asperger's syndrome. I owe it all to my parents, specifically my father for treating me like he would any normal kid and for always believing in me. His belief eventually translated in my belief in myself and now I am very successful. I love my father so much and he has helped me defy the odds and thrive!