LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – LifeGift invites the West Texas community to its 2nd Annual HopeFest, a family-friendly and free event taking place on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Texas Tech University Recreational Softball Fields.
HopeFest is a day dedicated to honoring organ, eye and tissue donors across 109 Texas counties while celebrating the gift of life and raising awareness about the importance of donor registration. Enjoy delicious food, explore local vendors and participate in activities for all ages that celebrate the gift of life. The first 500 attendees will receive a HopeFest 2026 T-shirt at no cost. Attendees can also enter a free raffle for a chance to win an autographed football generously donated by Coca-Cola and signed by Joey McGuire.
This vibrant community event will feature:
A Softball Showdown between Covenant Health and University Medical Center and four other teams, with awards for Best Team Name, Best Uniform and of course the Championship TrophyThe Honor Path, a touching tribute created by donor families in honor of their loved onesFamily Fun, including a HopeSpot selfie station, face painting, crafts and music featuring DJ with TJCovenant Children’s Kite Flight medical helicopter and transport team will be landing on-site, giving attendees a chance to explore their high-tech gearFamilies can explore a Lubbock Police Department patrol unit and a Lubbock Fire Department fire engine up close while meeting the dedicated first responders.Complimentary lunch including ballpark favorites: burgers, hot dogs, walking tacos and Frito pies, along with Bahama Buck’s sweet ice treats
HopeFest is generously sponsored by Optimum, Global Transplant Solutions, LifeNet Health, University Medical Center, Sallop Insurance, Coca-Cola, H-E-B, DJ with TJ, South Plains Kidney Foundation, Lubbock Ambulance and Woodstock Enterprises.
“LifeGift’s HopeFest offers hope for the men, women and children waiting for life-saving organ, eye and tissue transplants in West Texas,” says Kevin Myer, LifeGift President and CEO. “The overwhelming support for this 2nd annual event shows how deeply our community cares about raising awareness and saving lives through donation.”
Don’t forget to follow and join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, where we’ll be honoring donors, recipients and their families, and sharing important information about donor registration.
Event Details:
What: LifeGift’s 2nd Annual HopeFestWho: Open to all — transplant recipients, donor families, healthcare professionals, donation advocates and the entire communityWhen: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Where: Texas Tech University Recreational Softball Fields, 10th Street & Texas Tech Parkway, Lubbock, TX 79409 – Map LinkMore Information: LifeGift HopeFest WebsiteRegistration: Event Sign Up
“Our second annual event brings together many donor families to celebrate their loved ones and spread awareness of our mission of offering hope,” says LifeGift’s Barbara VerWey, community engagement specialist. “Most community members don’t think about the importance of donation until a loved one needs a transplant. Many times, we don’t realize how important it is for our loved ones to be donor heroes for others.”
More than 11,000 Texans are waiting for life-saving transplants. Register to become an organ, eye or tissue donor today at DonateLifeTexas.org.
LifeGift is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) health services organization. As the organ procurement organization (OPO) for North, Southeast and West Texas, we partner with more than 275 hospitals and 10 transplant centers across 109 counties to save and heal lives. LifeGift is a founding member of Donate Life Texas, the organization that manages the organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Please visit www.LifeGift.org.
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