With sunlight spilling across the East River promenade and a buzz of excitement in the air, CoolxDad opened the doors to its new headquarters on March 29, 2025, in unforgettable fashion. After nearly a year of design, vision casting, and community-building, the Houston-born nonprofit stepped into its next chapter — and did so with style, purpose, and a lot of heart.
The grand opening brought out some of the city’s most passionate change-makers, including Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee and Baytown Mayor Charles Johnson. The latter surprised the crowd with a $15,000 donation from the City of Baytown — a powerful gesture of support following a recent presentation to their city council. That moment marked more than generosity. It signaled CoolxDad’s growing reach — a movement no longer just rooted in Houston but resonating throughout the region.
Founder and CEO Kevin Barnett delivered a stirring speech while embracing his children, his voice thick with gratitude and emotion. “I feel like I can finally breathe,” he said, pausing to take in the crowd. “And I want to thank my kids for being here with me — to do something I’ve been trying to build for you since day one.”
That energy was palpable throughout the day. In one of the event’s most memorable moments, Barnett invited his daughter Knox to join him at the ribbon cutting. Father and daughter opened the doors together — a symbolic gesture that captured everything CoolxDad stands for. A powerful image followed: Barnett standing shoulder to shoulder with the board of directors and founding members of CoolxDad. It was a portrait of unity and vision, the kind that turns mission into movement.
Inside the HQ, guests were welcomed into more than just a workspace — they stepped into a cultural experience. The new home of CoolxDad also unveiled ONE DREAM Boutique, a curated storefront offering bespoke fashion and home goods with a focus on design, community, and identity. At the heart of the boutique: a line of unique CoolxDad merchandise, each piece a visual representation of the movement itself — cool, effortless, and stylish. ONE DREAM isn’t just a store — it’s a statement.
Support and recognition flowed from every corner of the city. Special thanks were extended to the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce, whose welcome and partnership helped make CoolxDad’s transition into the East River development feel like coming home. The nonprofit also thanked the Houston Rockets, H-E-B, and Rodeo Dental for their continued belief in the mission and their tangible support in bringing the space to life.
Now proudly rooted in the historic Fifth Ward, CoolxDad looks ahead with energy and clarity. The organization is already preparing for the return of its signature programs: the CoolxKids OnexDream Summer Camp, expanded Sunday Suppers, and the next installment of CoolxDads in Tech — each initiative building deeper bridges between community, fatherhood, and access.
CoolxDad may be celebrating five years, but the work is far from done. This moment was never a finish line. It was a gateway.
SEE US IN REAL TIME. The movement is here. The momentum is growing. And CoolxDad is just getting started.
Stay updated by following CoolxDad on social media @coolxdad and visiting https://www.coolxdad.com/
About CoolxDad
CoolxDad’s mission is to empower and support fathers, father figures, and male role models who are engaged, impassioned, and forever cool, striving to build a better world for their children and for their communities. CoolxDad’s approach is unique in that it uplifts and supports fatherhood and is community-driven rather than prescribed.
