Holiday HOOPS & ARTs Announces 25th Anniversary Gala to Celebrate a Legacy of Transforming Lives and Invest in the Next Generation
- Intern Candidate
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Quarter-century celebration will honor community leaders, alumni and student athletes while launching the organization’s 25th Anniversary Legacy Fund
ORLANDO, Fla. — August 6th, 2026 —
Holiday HOOPS & ARTs 25th Anniversary Gala
Holiday HOOPS & ARTs (HH&A), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families through athletics, arts, life skills and health programs, will host its 25th Anniversary Gala on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5:30–10 p.m. at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The milestone celebration will honor 25 years of impact while bringing together families, alumni, community leaders, donors, partners and supporters committed to creating greater opportunities for young people. The evening will recognize outstanding community leaders, alumni and student athletes whose dedication and achievements reflect the mission and values of HH&A.
Founded in 2001 by Westley “Doc” Holiday Sr. and Judy Linder Holiday, HH&A has served nearly 2,000 youth and families through programs designed to build confidence, leadership, resilience and purpose. Through athletics, arts, mentoring and educational initiatives, the organization has helped young people develop skills that extend beyond the playing field and into their classrooms, careers and communities.
“For 25 years, Holiday HOOPS & ARTs has been committed to helping young people discover their potential and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed,” said Westley Holiday Sr., Founder and President of Holiday HOOPS & ARTs. “This Gala is not only a celebration of our history, but a commitment to the next 25 years of impact.”
The Gala will also mark the launch of HH&A’s 25th Anniversary Legacy Fund, a long-term initiative focused on advancing three critical areas of growth:
Space: Creating a consistent home where children and families can learn, play and grow
Scholarships: Expanding access and opportunity regardless of financial circumstances
Sustainability: Strengthening programs, partnerships and infrastructure to support future generations
“Reaching this milestone gives us an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of lives touched by HH&A while investing in the future of our organization and the young people we serve,” said Faith Holiday, Co-CEO of Holiday HOOPS & ARTs. “The Legacy Fund represents our vision for building a stronger foundation for the next 25 years.”
The 25th Anniversary Gala will feature a cocktail reception and dinner, honoree recognition, youth and alumni stories, entertainment, special announcements, a silent auction and raffle, and opportunities for guests to support HH&A’s continued mission.
2026 Gala Honorees
Holiday HOOPS & ARTs is proud to recognize individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our organization and community.
Community Leaders
Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. and Dr. Michael Milligan
Alumni Honorees
Jeff Remington and Lekita Logan Range
Student Athletes of the Year
Sanari Evans and Marcus Dixon
Special Recognition
Westley "Doc" Holiday Sr., Judy Linder Holiday, and Steven Karnes
Host & Emcee
Amanda Stephen
Additional honorees and special recognitions may be announced prior to the Gala.
HH&A Impact Highlights
Nearly 2,000 youth and families served since the organization’s founding in 2001
50–70 youth engaged annually through programs across Central and South Florida
65% of participants identify as underrepresented youth
14 championship wins across 30–40 tournaments in six states and territories
Nine of 11 high school seniors advanced to college basketball programs through donor-funded scholarships
Launch of the HH&A ARTs program in 2025–2026, integrating creative expression, mentorship and STEAM education
Annual community-focused Life Skills & Health events through grants and corporate funding sources with free resources available to the public online
Today, HH&A is led by sibling Co-CEOs Faith Holiday and Westley Todd Holiday, who continue expanding the organization’s programs in arts education, financial literacy, wellness and college readiness. As HH&A celebrates 25 years of service, the organization invites community members, businesses, alumni and supporters to join in celebrating its legacy and investing in the next generation.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, program tributes and Legacy Fund support opportunities are available at holidayhoops.org.
For more information about Holiday HOOPS & ARTs and the 25th Anniversary Gala, visit holidayhoops.org or follow @HolidayHOOPS&ARTs on social media.
About Holiday HOOPS & ARTs
Founded in 2001 by Westley “Doc” Holiday Sr. and Judy Linder Holiday, Holiday HOOPS & ARTs is a family-operated nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families through Athletics, Arts, Life skills and Health. The organization’s name reflects its mission: HOOPS stands for Helping Others Obtain Personal Success, and ARTs stands for Amplifying & Refining Talents. Through mentorship, education and community partnerships, HH&A empowers young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills and achieve personal success.
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