Hampton Club Fundraiser Set Record for Programs

Local business supporters helped the Boys and Girls Club reach a new funding milestone for STEM expansion.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration of a microscope in coral and teal, representing youth STEM programming initiatives. — The Boys and Girls Club of Hampton secured record funding during its annual gala, enabling significant growth for local youth STEM initiatives. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local fundraising events are the best way to support youth programs in your area?

The Boys and Girls Club successfully held its annual Reach for the Stars fundraiser in Hampton. The event set a new record for donations, which will directly support the expansion of club initiatives, including its STEM program.

Why it matters

Events like this serve as a critical mechanism for local organizations to secure the capital needed for specialized programming. Expanding STEM offerings allows these clubs to meet growing educational demand within the local community.

The annual fundraiser set a new record for the organization, with the proceeds earmarked to fund the expansion of local programs. The specific financial total remains undisclosed, marking a high-water mark compared to prior event cycles.

The players

The Boys and Girls Club

A national non-profit organization providing after-school programs and youth development services.

Brad Smith

The professional auctioneer who managed the live fundraising segments of the event.

June Daffeh

The recipient of the William H. Knull Jr. Community Service Award for local contributions.

Ros Runner

The emcee for the annual Reach for the Stars fundraising event.

Tiyale Hayes

A notable attendee and local figure associated with the Hampton community.

The details

The fundraiser utilized a mix of a silent auction, a live auction, and a paddle raise to generate capital. Auctioneer Brad Smith managed the bidding process during the live sessions to drive support for the club's goals. These funds provide the financial foundation necessary to scale STEM programming for the upcoming year.

October 8, 2026: The Boys and Girls Club hosted the Reach for the Stars fundraiser.

Market Landscape

The current event set a new record for the Reach for the Stars fundraiser, which historically serves as the primary funding vehicle for the organization. This performance updates the fundraising ceiling previously established by earlier editions of the annual gala.

Operators looking to support community initiatives should track the annual fundraising cycles of local non-profits for partnership opportunities. Monitoring these events helps businesses identify when organizations are scaling programs like STEM to align potential corporate social responsibility efforts.

The takeaway

Large-scale charity events act as a barometer for the financial health of local non-profit organizations. Owners should watch for these fundraising milestones to determine when community partners are ready to expand their service capacity.