Sunrise sports presenter and Raise Ambassador Mark Beretta has been named the 2019 Australian Father of the Year by The Shepherd Centre in recognition of his strong family values and ongoing commitment to community-focused initiatives.
As a father of two children – Ava Beretta (15) and Daniel Beretta (12) – this award recognises Mark’s dedication to his family and his charitable efforts as an ambassador for several foundations and organisations supporting and inspiring Australian children.
Mark said he was humbled to be awarded The Shepherd Centre’s Australian Father of the Year, “This is a huge and unexpected honour! Being a dad is a tremendous privilege and I am very grateful for a wife and kids who teach me so much. Becoming a dad is a special experience and it does change your life in a very fulfilling way – all my favourite memories involve my family. So many dads out there are doing a great job with their families and I am regularly inspired by the role they play in bringing up brilliant Australian kids. I take my hat off to fathers across Australia for all they do; they deserve a pat on the back.”
Mark has been a Raise Ambassador since 2009. As the co-host of our key fundraising event of the year, Sparkle Ball, Mark has been instrumental in raising awareness for youth mentoring. In our new campaign Letters To My Mentor Mark shares an emotional letter to his mentors, Mick and Karen.
“I grew up water skiing, and they were the best in the business,” Beretta said. “For some reason, they were just really kind to me – and for six summers in a row they’d take me up to train with them in Brisbane. They were great for me because not only were they the sportspeople I looked up to, they were great people as well – and they taught me so many valuable lessons in the years that were so formative.”
To hear Mark’s full letter head to www.letterstomymentor.com.au.