‘Best dads’ rewarded with thousands in gifts

A good father does many things. 

Coaching your kid’s sports team? Sometimes. Washing the car with your kids? If you can talk them into it. Stepping into several lives and taking on a new role? For some. 

The specific ways may vary, but a good dad is always there for his children and strives to raise them properly. 

Dads are important and deserve to be recognized. Hence, the annual tradition of InMaricopa’s Best Dad contest, sponsored by Karsten’s Maricopa ACE Hardware. Maricopa Dads were nominated and voted on by InMaricopa readers, and three of many deserving dads were recognized as the “best” this Father’s Day. 

Coming in first place was Brett Schut, a father of a son and two daughters. – ages 7, 9 and 11. 

Brett Schut was nominated by his wife, Ashley. “He’s always there for his kids. He’s always willing to go out to coach his son’s football team,” she said. 

“He will never turn down a friend in need.” 

Brett won a $600 wicker hang chair from Karsten’s ACE Hardware. Many local businesses added to the haul:  

• $200 credit from Electrical District No. 3 
• $175 Iconic Garage gift certificate from InMaricopa 
• $175 fertilizer treatment from Druwest Landscape 
• $150 gift certificate from Redemption Tattoo 
• $100 Roots Eatery gift card from Northern Lights Therapy 
• $75 gift certificate from Donovan’s Landscaping 
• $50 Visa gift card from Harvey’s Way Towing 
• $50 gift card for Native Grill & Wings 
• $50 gift card for Texas Roadhouse from Exceptional Community Hospital 
• $35 gift certificate from Rosati’s Pizza 
• $25 gift card from Neaux Coffee 
• 12 months of free internet from Orbitel Communications 
• Free party pack of cookies from Crumbl Cookie 
• One Evolve Treatment from Maricopa Wellness Center 
• One free month family membership from Berserkur Sports Facility 
• One Swedish massage from 911 Air Repair 
• One year of free oil changes from Jiffy Lube 

In second place was Steven Rivera, a dad of two sons – ages 4 and 2. He was nominated by his wife Teresita Rivera. 

“As a full-time worker and provider of our home he still takes the time to play with his two boys, to teach them new things, or even just wash the cars with them,” she said. 

In her nomination, she wrote: “He would try to find anything just so he’s spending his free time with them” and “He is the best dad and the best person inside and out.” 

Steven chose the $550 prize package that included a Gozney Roccbox Propane Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven and a Gozney Roccbox Black Grill Cover from Karsten’s ACE Hardware. Prizes from other businesses included: 

• $175 Iconic Garage gift certificate from InMaricopa 
• $175 fertilizer treatment from Druwest Landscape 
• $95 gift certificate from Anozira Door Systems 
• $50 Food & Laughs gift card from Homesmart Premier 
• $35 gift certificate from Rosati’s Pizza 
• $30 Visa gift card from Harvey’s Way Towing 
• $25 Chipotle gift card from Legacy Traditional Schools 
• $25 gift card from Native Grill & Wings 
• $25 gift card from Neaux Coffee 
• Free party pack of cookies from Crumbl Cookie 
• One Swedish massage from 911 Air Repair 
• One Evolve Treatment from Maricopa Wellness Center 
• One free month family membership from Berserkur Sports Facility 

Third place went to David Olivares, a father of two daughters and a son. He was nominated by his wife, Christina Olivares, who earned second place in InMaricopa’s Best Mom contest this year. 

David came into the lives of Christina and her two children about 10 years ago. Nevaeh is now 17, and Noah, 15. 

“He has more than stepped up to the plate, and has helped me raise them when he didn’t have to,” Christina said of her husband in her nomination.  

The Olivareses eventually welcomed a third child, Khloe, who is 10.  

“I am truly thankful for him … being the Best Dad he could possibly be,” Christina said. 

David received the $676 DeWalt Package from Karsten’s ACE Hardware, including a jobsite fan, USB charging kit, Bluetooth radio and a PowerStack drill and impact kit. He also received other prizes:  

• $175 Iconic Garage gift certificate from InMaricopa  
• $175 fertilizer treatment from Druwest Landscape  
• $50 Home Depot gift card from Councilmember Vincent Manfredi 
• $35 gift certificate from Rosati’s Pizza 
• $25 gift card from Neaux Coffee  
• $20 Visa gift card from Harvey’s Way Towing 
• $15 gift card from Native Grill & Wings 
• Free party pack of cookies from Crumbl Cookie 
• One Swedish massage from 911 Air Repair 
• One free month family membership from Berserkur Sports Facility 

“We were so excited to celebrate these tremendous dads. It was a joy to have the families all together – dad, mom and the kids. The kids especially had big smiles on their faces. Congratulations to the over 30 nominated dads this year – you truly make a positive impact on this community,” said Dave Karsten, owner of Karsten’s Ace Hardware.

View a photo gallery and video of the event below: