Guest Dad Joe Burris writes that on the eve of Father's Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fathers is coming to Baltimore:

If I were holding on to a slim lead in the Dakar Rally, entering the final day of the British Open two strokes off the pace or a few yards shy of Mount Everest’s peak, I’d still brake for Father’s Day.

The annual time for appreciating dads -- which comes on Sunday -- has been one of the great things about being a father. For me, it took becoming a father to realize that we need to be celebrated as such.

That's why it's great to have people like Kashaun Cooper.

In July of last year, the Fairfax, Va., resident founded Fathers Rock, a non-profit organization dedicated to showing appreciation for fathers and father figures. The group has more than 3,200 Facebook fans.

Fathers Rock is in the process of relocating to Baltimore. On Father’s Day, the group will hold its inaugural Father’s Day Festival in Middle Branch Park at noon.

A father of four, Cooper has led the group’s efforts to reach out to fathers by periodically holding contests to honor fathers. Anyone can nominate an outstanding father or father figure by sending in a letter of 250 words or less or a video message expressing why the father should be recognized.

Fathers who are honored receive gift certificates, event tickets, awards and recognition at Fathers Rock events.

“There’s a lack of recognition in our community when it comes down to fathers,” said Cooper, 27. “This makes fathers feel appreciated, like they’re somebody in the community and not just a paycheck or a child-care provider. It says, ‘Thank you for a job well done.’”

But Cooper also wants to reach out to fathers who aren’t spending considerable time in their children’s lives.

Hopefully, he said, “It will make those fathers say, ‘Hey, I can be recognized for doing what I’m supposed to do? What I choose to do?’”

Cooper says he and wife Cherise had their youngest child a couple of weeks ago, and he admits that juggling fatherhood and relocating the nonprofit organization has its challenges. But he said he hopes his efforts inspire more fathers to give themselves pats on the back for tackling one of the most important jobs anyone can have: raising a child.

“I believe I am their greatest teacher. I believe I am their greatest influence,” Cooper said. “What my children become in life is a product of what I put inside them.”