The 2025 Great Futures Gala was more than an evening of celebration—it was a powerful reminder of why Austin Needs Club Kids, and Club Kids Need You.
From the very first moment, the energy in the room reflected the heart of our mission. The night opened with a warm welcome from newly crowned 2026 Youth of the Year Dulce L. and BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell, who set the tone with gratitude and purpose, reminding guests that every story, every song, and every dollar raised that evening helps create a stronger future for Austin’s youth.
“With encouragement from my Club director and staff, I discovered new interests, new goals, and a new belief in what’s possible —the potential that I have.”
Rising star and Club member Jayde D. captivated the audience with her powerful vocals, embodying the confidence and talent nurtured within our Clubs. Her stirring rendition of “Rise Up” served as a fitting anthem for the evening — a reminder of the resilience and determination that define our youth.
Board Chair Mario Zambrano then took the stage with a moving address titled “The Time Is Now to Build the Future.” His words echoed the urgency of investing in the next generation—because when Austin invests in its kids, our entire community thrives.
“El momento es ahora. The time is now, let us dream boldly, and act generously, so that years from now, when our children stand on this stage, they too can say: ‘I am the living dream of the Boys and Girls Clubs.’”
Adding to the night’s inspiration, Austin City Manager and former Club alum T.C. Broadnax shared his personal journey from Club kid to city leader. His story embodied the transformative power of the Boys & Girls Club experience—how a safe space, caring mentors, and a sense of belonging can shape futures that impact entire communities.
“[Club] wasn’t just about safety or fun. It was here that my passion for public service and helping people was sparked. The Club taught me the importance of community, the power of service, and the value of lifting others up. I saw firsthand how an organization could change lives, not just through words but through modeled actions.”
The evening’s most heartfelt moment came from Darriyan, a former Club kid and now a proud member of the BGCAA staff, who shared how the Club not only changed her life but continues to inspire her to change the lives of others.
“The Club showed me a different future; one I didn’t even know was possible. It gave me the courage to break the cycle and the time and space to grow into who I desired to be. The same girl who once so desperately needed the Club… now is the Club.”
As the night came to a close, guests raised their paddles high during the live auction and paddle raise, demonstrating their unwavering generosity and belief in our mission. The room erupted in celebration — $1.2 million raised to support Great Futures. Gratitude filled the air, but so did a clear call to action.
While we celebrate what was achieved, the need remains great. Thousands of young people across the Austin area are still waiting for a place to belong, to grow, and to dream. Today, 5 out of 6 Texas kids lack access to after-school programs — that’s 2.7 million children without a safe, structured, and inspiring place to go.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, we believe every child deserves that opportunity — a safe space, a caring mentor, and the chance to reach their full potential. Together, we can make it happen.
Austin Needs Club Kids. Club Kids Need You.
Join us today to open doors, spark confidence, and build Great Futures across Austin.
