The Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative's Dear Dad Tour -- sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services -- uses a video booth to gather stories about fathers across the state.

The tour made a stop at the Trumbull Mall on Saturday, where dozens of people recorded stories about their fathers.

"The idea is to encourage folks to share their thoughts and memories about their fathers to highlight the importance of fatherhood and showcase the Connecticut Fatherhood's work," said Tony Judkins, who helps to lead the initiative.

Judkins says he barely knew his own father, so when the opportunity came up for him to help lead this initiative, the former pro basketball player from Bridgeport jumped at the opportunity.

"It's an amazing chance for me to use my own experience as an initially ill-prepared teen dad to share the wisdom I've learned over a lifetime, and to help future dads prepare themselves for the awesome responsibility of being a parent," Judkins said.

"It's an amazing effort and I'm so proud to be a part of it," he said.

The videos will be shared online on Father's Day weekend, one month from Saturday.