KenTexas Derby - Derby Dollars At Work

Temple, Texas – The inaugural KenTexas Derby: Gallop & Give brought together community leaders, businesses, donors, and nonprofit organizations in a powerful demonstration of what is possible when a community invests in young people.

Hosted through a collaborative partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas (BGCTX), Garden of Hope, and New Life Village, the event raised critical resources to support youth mental wellness initiatives, foster youth services, workforce readiness programs, and pathways to long-term success for vulnerable youth across Central Texas.

The event was built around the national America Needs Club Kids campaign, which highlights the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Through sponsorships, donations, auctions, and community engagement, the KenTexas Derby demonstrated how collective action can strengthen outcomes for youth facing adversity while building a brighter future for the entire community.

"The KenTexas Derby was about much more than fundraising," said Tiana Quick, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas. "It was about bringing organizations together to demonstrate that every young person deserves support, opportunity, and a community that believes in their potential."

Funds raised through the event support youth mental wellness initiatives at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, recognizing that emotional well-being is foundational to academic success, healthy decision-making, and future achievement. The event also highlighted a unique continuum of care model through partnerships with Garden of Hope and New Life Village.

Garden of Hope provides emergency residential shelter services for children entering foster care and ensures every resident has access to Boys & Girls Club programming through complimentary memberships. New Life Village supports young adults aging out of foster care by providing housing, life-skills training, employment opportunities, and pathways toward self-sufficiency. Together, the organizations demonstrated how communities can support young people from crisis stabilization through independent adulthood.

The event also celebrated the success of local youth whose lives have been impacted by opportunities and support systems within the community. One such example is Jaylynn Bennett, a former member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas Woody Hall Club, who was recently selected as one of only 118 students nationwide to participate in NASA's prestigious STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship Program.

A portion of the proceeds from the KenTexas Derby will support Jaylynn's participation in the program, helping remove financial barriers as she pursues her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer.

"Jaylynn's story is exactly why this work matters," said Quick. "She represents what can happen when communities invest in young people, provide mentorship, create opportunities, and believe in their potential."

Through authentic storytelling, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to youth success, the KenTexas Derby showcased the impact that collaboration can have on changing lives and creating opportunities for future generations.

The event's organizers plan to continue the collaborative model in future years by partnering with a new community organization annually, increasing awareness of local nonprofits while strengthening support systems for youth and families throughout the region.

The inaugural KenTexas Derby ultimately delivered a powerful message: America Needs Club Kids because today's Club members become tomorrow's scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders.