Reflecting on 2025
By Director of Development, Ally Smith
As I look back on 2025, I keep returning to one overwhelming feeling, gratitude. This year reminded me again that Partnerships for Children is powered not by programs alone, but by people. A community that continually shows up for children and families connected to foster care across Central Texas and now beyond.
Because of you, 2025 became one of the most meaningful and impactful years in our organization’s history.
Events and community giving continue to make up more than 30 percent of our annual budget, providing essentials through the Rainbow Room, mentorship and instruments through Kids in a New Groove, storytelling through the Heart Gallery, and direct support for foster and kinship families when they need it most. Every sponsorship, volunteer hour, and donation becomes stability, dignity, and opportunity for a child.
To everyone who supported this mission this year, thank you for believing in what we do.
A Gala to Remember
Our 2025 Gala at The Mansion captured true Texas spirit. Cowboy boots filled the dance floor, laughter echoed through the room, and the Longhorn stuffies auctioned off to serve children through the Rainbow Room truly stole the show. Watching guests bid generously knowing those items would bring comfort and joy to children entering care was one of those moments that perfectly reflects why this work matters.
The evening was joyful, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community. We are thrilled to return to The Mansion on May 2 for our 22nd Annual Gala, A Derby Affair benefiting Partnerships for Children.
Learn More: partnershipsforchildren.org/gala
Girls and Giving: Pretty in Pink
Girls and Giving continued to grow in such a beautiful way this year. Our Pretty in Pink theme came to life as women across Austin showed up in their brightest pink looks, filling the space with energy, connection, and purpose.
What began as an event championing the power of women in philanthropy has become a true community. The growth in vendors, supporters, and new faces reflected how deeply this community believes in showing up for children and families. Girls Who Give continues to grow into a group of women committed not only to giving financially but also volunteering, learning, and leading together throughout the year.
Learn More: partnershipsforchildren.org/girls-who-give
Be Inspired at Texas State University
Be Inspired at Texas State was one of the most emotional evenings of the year. Special thanks to Director of Heart Gallery, Sarah Murray, for hosting such an incredible event.
The room was filled with emotion as guests learned about Texas State President Kelly Damphousse’s connection to foster care and the University’s commitment to supporting children and youth with ties to the system. These moments remind us that awareness leads to action, and action creates belonging for children who deserve to feel seen.
Thanksgiving Kinship Food Drive
Just before Thanksgiving, we launched a new, heartfelt initiative. My dear friend and KING Champion Ruby Stewart and I helped organize our first Thanksgiving food drive for kinship families, generously sponsored by Made In Kitchen.
Thanks to a community partner, Beverly Morris, who helped us connect with families in need, we were able to serve more than 60 families impacted financially during the holiday season. Volunteers delivered meals directly to families' doorsteps, meeting caregivers, connecting with them personally, and learning more about their stories and daily realities.
Support from the Barnard family, Birdie's Restaurant, Kettle and Fire, more than fifteen volunteers who prepared meals, and ten volunteers who delivered across the region made this possible. It was a reminder that sometimes care looks like a warm meal, a knock on the door, and someone saying: we see you and you are not alone.
Holiday Hope Concert at Antone's
The Holiday Hope Concert returned to Antone’s in 2025, one of Austin’s most historic and beloved venues. Headlined by Rob Baird, Ruby Stewart, Melat, and incredible local artists, it is always a joy to emcee this event and witness our community come together through music and mentorship.
This year, thanks to Kids in A New Groove founder Karen Scott, we added a singer songwriter competition that allowed emerging artists to participate while supporting the mission. The winner, Mage Buse, opened the show and the competition helped raise an additional $10,000 benefiting Kids in a New Groove.
Watching our KING mentees perform remains one of the most powerful moments each year. You can see confidence grow in real time. You can see healing happening through music.
Holiday Wishes 2025
Holiday Wishes 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary and deeply moving for our entire community. Thousands of volunteers showed up day after day to sort, organize, wrap, and deliver gifts for children connected to foster care across Central Texas and now San Antonio. This year we expanded into our neighboring region in San Antonio, serving more children than ever before.
Walking through the warehouse each year is one of the most impactful moments we experience at Partnerships for Children. Volunteers carefully pack wishes for children asking for new outfits for school so they can feel confident walking into class, games to play with their families, bikes to ride outside with friends, art supplies to create, and simple comforts that help a child feel normal during uncertain seasons of life.
Our small but mighty team worked alongside thousands of volunteers whose compassion and dedication continue to make Holiday Wishes possible. Every gift represents someone choosing to care about a child they may never meet.
We met an all-time fundraising goal to meet a record-breaking need. Then, in an incredible moment of generosity, Methodist Hospital San Antonio made a transformational $70,000 gift made possible through board member Keiko Anderson and her husband Dvry Anderson. Their support helped ensure that thousands more children experienced the magic and dignity of the holiday season.
Just before Christmas, our small but mighty team of fifteen gathered to celebrate one another. There were teary eyes, full hearts, and a deep recognition of how much this team carries together. The work can be heavy, but the care we have for this mission and for each other is what makes it possible.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look toward 2026, we do so filled with momentum, gratitude, and excitement. New partners are emerging, programs continue to grow, and together we are reaching more children and families than ever before.
Your support ensures that children connected to foster care receive essential resources, creative outlets, mentorship, and moments of joy during some of life's most challenging transitions.
If you supported Partnerships for Children this year, please know you are a part of every story we share. And if you are looking for a way to get involved in 2026, we invite you to join us. Attend an event, volunteer, become a monthly donor, or help us share this mission with others.
Together, we are building a community where every child feels supported, seen, and full of possibility.
With Gratitude,
Ally Smith
Director of Development, Partnerships for Children