06/12/2026
I’ve been trying to sit down and write this post for days.
Truthfully, I couldn’t bring myself to do it before today because this past week has been a blur of planning, organizing, worrying about every little detail, and very little sleep. I wanted this celebration to be perfect because our teens deserve nothing less.
And then they did something I never saw coming.
In the middle of all the excitement, our teens surprised Jimmy and me with a Certificate of Recognition that they had signed. Every signature, every name, every message on that certificate hit me right in the heart.
I’m not going to lie—I had to fight back tears.
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t usually get emotional in front of a crowd, but in that moment, I was doing everything I could to hold it together. Because while people see Teen Night every Tuesday, they don’t always see the late nights, the stress, the planning, the worry, the sacrifices, or the countless hours that happen behind the scenes.
To have those kids recognize us in that way meant more than I can ever put into words.
That certificate will forever be one of my most treasured possessions—not because it’s a piece of paper, but because it came from the kids who made this entire journey worth it.
A year ago, Teen Night started with one simple goal: to create a safe place where kids could come, be accepted, make friends, and just be kids. We never imagined it would grow into what it has become.
None of this happened because of one person. It happened because of an entire community that chose to invest in our youth.
Donors
• The Traveling Sandbar
• Fusion Offices
• Hometown Amusement Creations, LLC
• Get Dogged Out
• The Odyssey Collective
• Mimi’s Closet
• University Park Townhomes
• Iron Tribe MC
• Renegades MC
• B Blessed Bakery
• DJ Double Dee
• ALO Photography
• Austin Media
• River City Baggers
• RC Theater
• The Bistro
Sponsors
• Water Street Real Estate Group
• Built by Murray
• Birds Auto
• Nealbilly Garage
• The UPS Store
• EC Mailbox Center
• Overton Solutions
• Austin Media
• The Odyssey Collective
Staff
• Steven
• Jimmy
• Tiffany
• Jeannie
• Dee
Volunteers
• The Riggs Family
• Andrew
• Jenny
• Moe Moore
• Adri & Partner
• Amy
• Kim
• Alexis
• Kinsha
• Gigi
Thank you to every single person who played a role in making our One Year Anniversary possible.
And to our teens…
Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for showing up every week. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your lives.
The food, decorations, prizes, and celebrations were amazing, but that certificate from you all was the greatest gift we received that night.
As I sit here writing this, I’m praying I didn’t forget anyone. If I did, please know it was never intentional. My brain has been running on very little sleep and a whole lot of emotion.
My heart is full. My eyes still get watery when I look at that certificate.
One year down. Hundreds of teens impacted. Countless memories made.
And if last night proved anything, it’s that this is so much bigger than axe throwing, pool, food, or events.
It’s about belonging.
It’s about community.
It’s about our kids.
And for that, I am forever grateful. ❤️🖤💚
