On May 1, community leaders, supporters, and friends came together for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) 2026 Great Futures Luncheon—an inspiring afternoon grounded in one powerful message: Great Leaders Start Here. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we raised a record-breaking $413,000 to expand opportunities and deepen our impact for young people across the Austin area.
The program featured a dynamic, on-stage conversation between Board Member and CBS Sports college football analyst Emcee Brian Jones and former Texas Longhorn quarterback Vince Young. In a candid dialogue, the two reflected on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and the defining moments that shape a life both on and off the field. Vince shared personal stories from his journey at Texas and beyond, while Brian guided a thoughtful conversation that connected those experiences to the potential and promise of young people across Austin.
“Ladders for Leaders gave me more than just an internship. It gave me confidence. It gave me a starting point. And it helped me believe that I could actually go out and build something for myself as a young professional.” —Garret Heer, Ladders for Leaders Intern 2018
“This work, behind our blue door, is shaping futures. Leaders are developed. And it doesn’t start later. It starts the moment a young person begins to believe their voice matters and their future is worth investing in.” —Zenae Campbell, CEO
Navarro Boys & Girls Club teen H’Sanii B., the 2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up, followed with a powerful reflection on his own journey. He shared how the encouragement of his Club Director became a turning point in his life—unlocking new confidence and possibility. That support led him to step into the Youth of the Year experience, where he found his voice as a leader, connected with local officials at City Hall, and ultimately traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Boys & Girls Clubs and represent the impact of his journey.
“There are other kids in Austin right now… just like me. They don’t need everything to be perfect. They just need a place like the Club. I’m standing here because someone opened that door for me and didn’t let me walk away from it.”—H’Sanii B., 2026 Youth of the Year Runner Up
Before taking the stage, guests were introduced to H’Sanii’s story through a powerful video highlighting his journey at the Club. The video offered a firsthand look at the impact of mentorship, encouragement, and opportunity—showcasing how the support he found at the Club helped him grow into a confident leader and advocate for others. View his story below:
As the afternoon came to a close, guests raised their paddles in a powerful show of generosity and belief in our mission to invest in the next generation of leaders.
The paddle raise was a meaningful reminder that the luncheon’s impact reaches far beyond the room. Because of the collective support of partners, donors, and friends, more young people across the Austin area will have access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities that help them discover their voice and develop their leadership potential. That impact will be felt by youth like H’Sanii, by the many young people in the room that afternoon, and by countless others whose futures will be shaped because someone chose to open a door for them.
Explore More Moments from the Great Future Luncheon
