This week's 'Pay it Forward' centers around one of the most important jobs many of us will ever have - and that's being a good parent.Today we are helping a woman shine the light on a young man whose life's mission is being the best fatherly figure possible.Our story unfolds at a Chattanooga home where this week's 'Pay it Forward' recipient, Tremayne Johnson, is helping other fathers, family members and friends give children the strong male role models they deserve.Stephanie Delaney is proud of her cousin, Tremayne. As we count out our cash outside the home Tremayne has no idea she nominated him for $500 cash and some well deserved recognition.Stephanie tells me, He goes out into the community and throws an event. He calls it a movement and his movement is to inspire people of his age group in dealing with their kids and to being a father figure.She knocks at the door. It's early!Stephanie shouts, Hello?!When Tremayne opens the door she laughs as she says, You're probably wondering why I was calling you down here.Tremayne wipes his eyes and laughs, You woke me up!We follow Stephanie inside with a news camera and she reaches out to him and says, Well, let me give you a hug. On behalf of the McMahan Law Firm and Channel 9 News I am here to 'Pay it Forward' to you for the wonderful efforts that you do.Tremayne is surprised but grateful to receive $500.Several years ago Tremayne graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. He finish college in four years with no school debt. His post-collegiate drive and ambition was fueled forward in independent web design.He quickly launched an online initiative called fatherlyfigure.com, which has evolved into a yearly community carnival. These free neighborhood events are filled with food, drinks and fun, paid for with donations, but mostly from his own pocket. He tells me, I have three sons and I felt that I needed to be a role model and lead by example and stay positive for them and give them knowledge that there's things you can do, extra-curricular, and learn and teach yourself. Tremayne's inspiration to connect families in his neighborhood was founded from a devastating loss at the age of nineteen.I had my first born child, which was a little daughter and she passed away of SIDS, Tremayne says.This father's actions have shown to be a true testament to others - that with love, hard work and a little help we can all grow into the people we are meant to be.Flashing an incredible smile Tremayne says, We are trying to show kids and young adults that there is something you can do positive and there are great men out here just doing something! You know, without being in trouble. You don't have to be in a gang. You don't have to sell drugs or anything of that nature.Tremayne says he hopes to always instill those values that he learned from his own fatherly figures - a devoted and loving dad and step-dad.As we leave, Stephanie hugs her cousin once more.You're well deserving, she says.With tears in his eyes this tough-as-nails dad says, All that money's going to go to a great place. We're already in motion for the next event. I'm very grateful. I'm going to keep it up.By the way, the next Fatherly Figure Family Fun Event is set for April 26th, 2014, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Booker T. Washington State Park. Families are invited to come out and enjoy a day of free food, drinks and fun!

• published: 02 Apr 2014
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