Many gathered at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to honor and remember Neal Dobbins, the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents), Saturday, May 29, 2021. Dobbins died last week from complications tied to Covid-19.Â
Losing a friend
During the opening prayer, Jackie Croom, center, who worked alongside Dobbins at MVP, weeps. She said he was like a brother.Â
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Respect
Dobbins died last week from complications tied to Covid-19. President of the Board of Education Sharon Belton-Cottman speaks about Dobbins.Â
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Losing an uncle
Marlando Brannon, center, stands with his daughter Ava, 5, as family, friends and school officials talk about Dobbins. Brannon is Dobbins' nephew and a member of MVP.Â
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
MVP family
MVP members gather around Dobbins' nephew Pastor Kenny Simmons, center, who is also a member.
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Remembering Neal Dobbins
Many gathered at Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion to honor and remember Neal Dobbins, the founder of MVP (Most Valuable Parents), Saturday, May 29, 2021.Â
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Comfort during mourning
Jackie Mines, right, a former employer of Dobbins, comforts his wife Monica.
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Supporting a loved one
All those present head toward the middle of the football field to release balloons in honor of Dobbins.
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Releasing the balloons
All those present release balloons to honor Neal Dobbins.Â
Sharon Cantillon / Buffalo News
Gratitude
All those present release balloons to honor a man who helped so many.
