Celebrate the Year. Invest in the Future.
As we gather to reflect on progress and possibility, your generosity helps us reach our $10,000 goal to sustain and expand mentorship, career readiness, and financial literacy programs. Together, we’re building the foundation for lasting change—one step, one Explorer, one future at a time.
About the Event
Empowering youth, celebrating community, inspiring change.
Stepping Into 2026 is Follow My Steps Foundation’s annual gala celebrating mentorship, community, and empowerment. This elegant evening brings together leaders, partners, and supporters to honor the progress of our Explorers and the dedication of those who help create pathways to success.
Guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories highlighting our mission to provide mentorship, career readiness, and financial literacy for under-resourced youth. Together, we’ll celebrate the impact we’ve made—and the next steps we’ll take toward a brighter, more equitable future.
Ticket Pricing Schedule
Take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your spot before prices increase.
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Early Bird (through November 14): Adults $55 | Children $27.50
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General Admission (November 15–November 30): Adults $65 | Children $32.50
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Final Admission (December 1–December 14): Adults $75 | Children $37.50
Pioneers for Change
Meet this year's winners!
Pioneers for Change honors five outstanding community leaders whose work reflects the mission of Follow My Steps. Each honoree has created a youth scholarship or award with criteria they personally selected, ensuring the support they provide aligns with their values and helps young people pursue meaningful paths in sports, entrepreneurship, wellness, leadership, and community impact.
Professional Speaker & Transformational Coach
Alyn Caley
The Rising Leader Award, presented by Alyn Caley, professional speaker and transformational coach, to a youth who demonstrates growth, leads by example, and inspires others to rise.
Founder, Lids_Live_Well; Community & Education Leader at UMass Amherst’s Henry M. Thomas III Center
Lidya Rivera-Early
EmpowerED Wellness Scholarship awarded by Lidya Rivera-Early, founder of Lids_Live_Well and community leader at UMass Amherst, to a youth passionate about wellness, leadership, and community impact.
Owner, SouLao’d Kitchen & Pho Saigon; Co-Owner, Reddy Redd Trucking
Lena Redd
Lena Redd Entrepreneurship Award
Presented by Lena Redd, owner of SouLao’d Kitchen, Pho Saigon, and Reddy Redd Trucking, to a youth committed to serving their community by building a business or nonprofit.
CEO & Author; Founder of Realistic CEO™
Mychal "Mikey" Connolly Jr.
Realistic CEO™ Dream Big Scholarship
Given by Mychal “Mikey” Connolly Jr., CEO, author, and founder of Realistic CEO™, to a youth who believes in themselves, has a clear plan, and is taking action toward their dreams.
President & CEO, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
John L. Doleva
Shooting for Success Scholarship
Awarded by John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to a youth pursuing a future in sports, athletics, or a related field.
Become a Sponsor
$250
Copper
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Logo in the program
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2 tickets
$500
Bronze
Copper, plus:
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Quarter page ad in the program book
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Social media shout out
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Recognition in the event slideshow
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Acknowledgment in the event's opening remarks
$1,000
Silver
Bronze, plus:
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Upgrade to a half-page ad in the program book
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Reserved table for up to 4 guests
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Highlighted as a featured supporter in 1 pre-event email
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Verbal recognition during the event
$2,500
Gold
Silver, plus:
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Upgrade to a full-page ad in the program book
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Reserved table for up to 6 guests
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Opportunity to include promotional materials (flyers or giveaways) at attendee tables
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Inclusion in post-event thank-you email to attendees
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Inclusion in press release
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Logo and link on event website
$5,000
Platinum
Gold, plus:
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Upgrade to a full page inside back or front cover ad in the program book (limit 2)
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Collaboration reel on social media
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Premium reserved table for up to 8 guests in a prime location
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Opportunity to address attendees during the event
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Recognition as the main event partner
