Fun Fundraising For Thanksgiving Meals

HOUSTON, TX, - Bridge The Gaps, a registered non-profit 501(3)(c) organization was honored to host it’s first-ever (and annual) Giveback Kickback where sneakers were welcome and the fundraising was fun!

“The energy was electric as we gathered for the Bridge The Gaps’ Annual Sneaker Giveback Kickback, a signature fundraising event designed to support Houston families and at-risk youth. The event was not only a celebration of community, but also an incredible demonstration of the power we have when we come together for a cause that matters,” mentioned Founder and CEO, Omar Durham.

A Day of Giving and Unity

The atmosphere at the event was filled with excitement and generosity as friends of Bridge The Gaps showed up to donate and give back to families and the at-risk youth of Houston. All types of sneakers were on deck. “From brand-new athletic shoes to gently worn pairs, we had it all!” adds Durham. “Donations through ticket sales and partnerships reached half of our fundraising goal as we approach our Q4 initiatives. Donations will be distributed towards Bridge The Gaps’ Annual Lion’s Feast - a Thanksgiving drive that provides turkeys and sides for local Houston families and at-risk teens in need,” Durham concludes.

Thanksgiving Sign-up forms for meals are available now for all families (not limited to North Houston or the Spring area) who are in need. Sign-up is only required to help give us a final count and ensure we do not run out or have to turn any families away.

Inspiring Speeches & Success

One of the most memorable parts of the evening was hearing from one of the coaches involved in our Bridge The Gaps programs, Coach Dub. Coach Dub from Dekaney High School shared his personal experiences, working together with Bridge The Gaps to overcome adversity with the students. Coach Dub shared how the support of our community has empowered his students to succeed both academically and athletically. Hearing firsthand how events like the Sneaker Giveback Kickback have a direct impact on the students’ futures brought a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

Photography provided by Bryan Guevara

Thank You to Our Supporters

We couldn’t have made this event a success without the support of our generous sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. From those who helped organize and staff the event to the local businesses who contributed, your support is invaluable. And, of course, a special thanks to every person who purchased a ticket or contributed financially — you are making a difference in the lives of Houston’s at-risk youth!

2024 Giveback Kickback Partners

Falling Short

While we fell short about $5,000 of our full goal, we are more motivated than ever to continue our mission of bridging the gap for Houston’s at-risk teens. The fundraising efforts from this event will go a long way in supporting our Lion’s Feast - Thanksgiving Drive. We continue to welcome any donations from the community by clicking here to help us reach our goal before the Thanksgiving drive on November 16th. We are also welcoming vendors who would like to have a pop-up tent and hand out coupons or any goods from your business that you feel would benefit the community. Contact us here for more info.

In addition, Bridge The Gaps will also be offering the official Kick Back Tees via a donation of $50 (including shipping/delivery) by clicking here. T-shirt sales will go directly to buying and providing meals for Lion’s Feast 2024.

Looking Forward

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, and we hope to see even more of you there! In the meantime, stay connected with us through whatever channels make sense via social media or subscribe here, for updates on how Bridge The Gaps is impacting at-risk youth and information on future events!

Thank you for being a part of this incredible movement — together, we are bridging the gaps and building a brighter future for the future!

For more information on Bridge The Gaps and how you can help our programs, please contact Omar Durham here.