We’re still soaking in the memories from last week’s Breakthrough Benefit Concert, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas!
It was a night to remember, with Kendra Strange, our Chief Schools Officer, emceeing, remarks by Executive Director Michael Griffith, and an inspiring message from Breakthrough alum Nyja Harris. Nyja boldly shared her journey from sixth grade to college graduate, moving all of us with her story.
I’ve always been someone with grit and determination. But even as I grew more independent in my journey [to earn a college degree], I knew I wasn’t alone—Breakthrough had my back.
Breakthrough students are the future leaders, thinkers, and change makers in this community. Like me, they have heroes who guide and inspire them along the way. And with your support, they just may have a chance to become someone else’s hero, too.
NYJA HARRIS
BREAKTHROUGH ALUM
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, we had a night of remarkable giving! Together, we exceeded our event night matching gift challenge of $75,000, made possible by Christie & Clinton Bybee and the O’Shaughnessy-Rivers Family Fund, and even surpassed our stretch goal—raising $109,106!
To our sponsors, who generously covered event costs, enabling every dollar raised to support Breakthrough’s mission: thank you. Between sponsorships, ticket sales, raffle, auction, and event night donations, we raised an incredible $500,000!
We’re grateful to have had the presence and support of our community for such a joyful and impactful event. Let’s do it again next year!
Special thanks to our event chairs, host committee and sponsors!
BREAKTHROUGH BENEFIT CONCERT HOST COMMITTEE
Chaired By Michael & Kaitlin Ramirez and Jeffrey & Carrie McDowell
Amber Carden
Ashley Jelinek & Mikey Vu
Christina Corona
Eddie Safady
Irma & Jim Brand
Jabrell Scott
Kelsey Van Meter & Benjamin Baudouin
Mary Garwood Yancy & Howard Yancy
Mary Claire & Wesley Gottesman
Megan Ihrman
Natalie & Paul Baradgjy
Patricia Henna Rowe & Mark Rowe
Pirie Humphries
Sarah Lacy & Bennett Maddox
Selma & Blaise D’Mello
Wendy & Steve Martinez
