A Night at the Oscars: Celebrating Community and Youth Development in Holmes County
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Lexington Multi-Purpose Complex Building shimmered with silver and yellow accents as the Lexington Boys & Girls Club hosted A Night at the Oscars, a signature fundraiser designed to bring the community together in support of local youth.
In addition to raising funds for our Lexington Club, this evening was a celebration of the unsung heroes of Holmes County: individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to expand educational opportunities, promote workforce development, and advance social and civic awareness. And it was a powerful reminder that unity and cooperation can overcome challenges that seem impossible when faced alone.
Guests mingling and smiling at A Night at the Oscars fundraising event in Holmes County Mississippi
A Night of Purpose and Connection
Lexington Unit Director Kawanna S. Horton selected A Night at the Oscars as the Club’s signature fundraiser to give the community an opportunity to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club and become actively involved in supporting our mission. The event was designed to increase awareness of the Club’s impact, celebrate community partnerships, and encourage individuals and organizations to invest in the success of local youth.
Approximately 125 people attended this year’s event – a strong turnout that filled the room with laughter, conversation, and a shared commitment to brighter futures.
Dr Jennifer Young Wallace speaking at podium during A Night at the Oscars event for Lexington Boys and Girls Club
An Inspiring Message from Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace
The evening’s guest speaker was Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, Faculty Senate President at Jackson State University and President of the Association of Teacher Education. Dr. Wallace was selected by the local community advisory board council, and her message resonated deeply with the audience.
Through storytelling, she taught that when people share resources, support one another, and work together for the common good, scarcity can become abundance. Her words highlighted the values of generosity, community, and collective responsibility – values that sit at the very heart of the Boys & Girls Club.
Decor That Dazzled
A huge thank you to Affordable Creations, the local vendor that designed this year’s décor. The design incorporated silver and yellow accents as vibrant pops of color, perfectly complementing the Boys & Girls Club’s signature blue and white color scheme. The elegant décor enhanced the Oscars theme while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
Silver and yellow table centerpieces with blue and white decor at Night at the Oscars gala
Raising Funds, Raising Futures
This year’s fundraiser raised just under $5,000 – approaching its $6,500 goal. Every dollar stays local and will directly benefit:
The Lexington Unit’s AAU Basketball Team
The SMART Girls annual trip
Snacks for Club members
These proceeds will help young people stay active, build confidence, and have the energy they need to learn and grow. Several local businesses and organizations supported the effort by purchasing advertisement space in the souvenir booklet, generating a significant portion of the proceeds and demonstrating the community’s deep commitment to the Club’s mission.
Behind the Scenes
The night’s success did not happen by accident. Staff members, local advisory board council members, and community members worked for months to plan every detail. The biggest challenge? Selling advertisements in the souvenir booklet to local businesses. There was also a last-minute hurdle with insurance for the building rental but the team persevered, and the evening went off beautifully.
That kind of dedication is exactly what makes the Lexington Club a trusted partner in youth development.
Community Feedback: Overwhelmingly Positive
Attendees have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. They appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with others. Many enjoyed the educational and enrichment components and felt the event provided valuable resources and support for youth and families.
Several participants said they look forward to attending future events and would recommend them to others.
Events like this also strengthen the Club’s relationship with the local school district. By working together to provide enriching experiences, we build trust, enhance communication, and create stronger partnerships that benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking Ahead: The 10th Annual Fundraiser
The Club plans to host the 10th Annual Fundraiser in May 2027. Next year’s event will include even more youth recognitions, with the goal of increasing parental involvement and strengthening family engagement.
As Kawanna noted, the photos from this year cannot fully convey the sense of connection, encouragement, and support that was present throughout the evening. What may not be visible is the impact of the conversations, mentorship, and relationships that were strengthened among youth, families, educators, and community partners.
We are deeply grateful for everyone who contributed their time, resources, and energy to make A Night at the Oscars a success. And we look forward to continuing our work – together – to empower the youth of Holmes County.
