The 2026 Great Futures Gala brought our community together to celebrate The Champion Within and the bright futures ahead for Austin’s youth. BGCAA Club kids and cheerleaders kicked off the evening with an energetic opening, followed by emcee Brian Jones, who welcomed guests and shared words of inspiration.
The evening began with an exclusive VIP reception sponsored by COTALAND, bringing together keynote speaker John Quiñones, members of BGCAA’s Board of Directors, and distinguished guests. The reception offered a special opportunity to connect, celebrate the champions behind our mission, and build excitement for an unforgettable evening.
Zenae Campbell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, kicked off the gala highlighting the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities for every child to discover their potential.
“We want young people to understand the opportunities available to them. College. Technical training. Skilled trades. Entrepreneurship. And we want them to have the skills, experience, and relationships to pursue the path they choose.”
Her message reflected the heart of this year’s theme, The Champion Within: every young person has strengths, talents, and possibilities waiting to be nurtured. With caring mentors, supportive communities, and access to meaningful opportunities, young people can build confidence and skills to shape their own futures.
Adding to the night’s entertainment, the Huston-Tillotson University Jazz Collective playing familiar tunes from R&B to contemporary jazz, keeping the energy light and enjoyable.
The evening’s most heartfelt moment came from American journalist, John Quiñones, a former Club kid and now a proud Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame Inductee, who shared how the Club not only changed his life but continues to inspire to change the lives of others.
“My whole life turned around, I finally had a place to go. A place where I felt safe. A place where people knew my name and cared whether I showed up. The Club was there showing me a door and invited me inside that door. Tonight we’re not simply funding an after school program; you’re telling a young person, ‘We see you. You matter. We believe in you.'”
Before the raise of the paddles, Club teen Kaitlyn S. shared her story and what being a champion means to her. From the National Keystone conference to meeting Texas State Representatives at the state capitol, Kaitlyn has experienced what it means to discover what she’s capable of and see her potential.
“There are young people in our community right now with their own talents, goals, and potential. Some know exactly where they want to go. Others are still figuring it out. Some need direction. And some just need someone to trust them with the ball. That is what the Boys & Girls Club provides.”
🎥 Watch the video below to hear Kaitlyn’s story about how Boys & Girls Clubs has and continues to give her opportunities to grow and build the champion within.
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 — $1.195 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. Thank you for being their Champion.
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