LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – For the past 10 years, the Volunteer Center of Lubbock has helped young people across the Lubbock community discover their potential as leaders through HYPE, or Helping Youth Purposefully Engage. Now, as the program enters its next chapter, the Volunteer Center is inviting the community to help sustain that work through its 2nd Annual Pink Tie Gala on Saturday, November 14th.<\/p>\n
Since HYPE began, more than 500 young people have participated in the program, receiving specialized leadership development and opportunities to learn, serve, and engage with their community.<\/p>\n
That means more than 500 young people have taken those skills and experiences with them into their schools, workplaces, organizations, and communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you invest in leadership development for a young person, you\u2019re not only investing in who they are today. You\u2019re investing in every classroom, workplace, organization, and community they will be part of in the future,\u201d said Emily Smith, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Lubbock. \u201cAfter 10 years and more than 500 young people, the ripple effect of HYPE is incredible to think about. We want to make sure the next generation of young people has that same opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a decade of grant support, HYPE is transitioning away from grant funding, making community support increasingly important to the program\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
Funds raised through the Pink Tie Gala will help support HYPE and other mission-based programs at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, allowing the organization to continue creating opportunities for people of all ages to serve, lead, and connect.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support of our community is what allows programs like HYPE to continue,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe Pink Tie Gala is a chance to have a great night together, but it\u2019s also an opportunity to invest in work that can shape our community for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2nd Annual Pink Tie Gala will feature Pete\u2019s Dueling Pianos, dinner, drinks, auctions, and the presentation of the Volunteer Center\u2019s Heart of Service Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference through service.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Heart of Service Award recipients are Doak Sexton, recipient of the Ignite award; The Salvation Army, recipient of the Compassion in Action award; and Atmos Energy, recipient of the Service with Purpose award.<\/p>\n
The Pink Tie Gala will take place Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center.<\/p>\n