We are deeply grateful to our generous donors for helping us raise over $500,000 for the children and families in our care through three incredible galas this year—the Houston Healing Hearts Disco Gala, the Make A Difference Austin Gala, and the Southern Sparkle Gala in Lubbock. These events were unforgettable celebrations of community and advocacy for child wellbeing. Thanks to your support, they were a resounding success!
In February, the Houston gala brought the disco era to life with guests dressed in dazzling 70s-inspired fashion. During the event, Sarah Dukes, a former participant in Upbring’s Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program, BeREAL, shared her inspiring journey and emphasized the important role donors like you play in supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors, dedicated committee members, and incredible volunteers who made this year’s gala a resounding success,” said Lori Dunaway, Philanthropic Advisor for the Greater Houston Area. “Your support and hard work helped create an unforgettable evening that will have a lasting impact on our cause. Thanks to each of you, we were able to meet our goal and make a meaningful difference in our community!”
In March, we hosted our first Austin gala since 2020, and thanks to your generosity, it was an unforgettable evening of support for the children and families in our care. Themed Boots & Bling, the event was a true celebration of community and compassion, with 288 guests filling all 30 tables. Attendees enjoyed pre-program entertainment from the Aggie Wranglers, a dynamic country western dance team, before hearing from our emcee, Dr. Kristi Kirk, President of Concordia University in Austin. Dr. Kirk shared her powerful personal connection to foster care, reinforcing the life-changing impact of your support. A highlight of the evening was a moving video featuring Michelle Calleros, a former New Life Children’s Center resident, who described the center as a “safe space” that brought normalcy to her life and empowered her to help others in need.
The night’s excitement continued with an incredible array of auction items, including a signed Peyton Manning football, luxury hotel packages, and exclusive vacation stays. Thanks to your enthusiastic bidding, we were able to raise critical funds that will directly benefit the children and families we serve. The evening concluded with guests dancing the night away to the high-energy sounds of Dysfunkshun Junkshun, a perfect ending to a night filled with generosity, joy, and hope.
“Thanks to our dedicated and passionate gala committee of 15 volunteers, we were able to rebuild the support for the Austin gala and bring it back,” said Kurt Westveld, Philanthropic Advisor for the Central Texas Area. “This leadership team is the core to the success and embodied the name of the gala, ‘Make a Difference.’ We look forward to growing the event and support next year and we look forward to you joining us!”
In April, we hosted our annual Lubbock Spring Gala, themed “Southern Sparkle Gala.” Emceed by longtime Lubbock resident and former Upbring board member Wood Franklin, the night featured a special proclamation from Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer honoring Upbring’s work, along with a heartfelt tribute to Joy Loper, Director of Emergency Assistance for Neighborhood House, who is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to the Lubbock community. Guests were also touched by a moving video featuring Sydney and Derek Vasquez, one of our foster families in Amarillo. The evening included an exciting auction with items such as clothing and summer camp experiences for kids, followed by an after-party with dancing to the sounds of Diamond Empire.
Because of you, children and families in Houston, Austin, and Lubbock have hope for a brighter future. Your support—whether as a sponsor, committee member, or donor—makes it possible for Upbring to provide life-changing programs and resources to those who need them most.
On behalf of Upbring and the countless lives you are impacting—thank you. Your partnership is changing futures, one child at a time.
Together, we create brighter futures. Find out how you can volunteer, donate, or support Upbring’s mission at upbring.org/get-involved.