April Newsletter
Mack, Jack & McConaughey: A Celebration of Giving Back!
MJ&M returns April 25th-April 26th for two incredible days of giving back. The annual joint fundraiser where music, fashion, and golf come together for a powerful cause. Founded by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and coaching legend Mack Brown, this event is all about having a great time while making a difference.
This year’s fashion show will showcase the timeless designs of Carolina Herrera, and the stage will come alive with an unforgettable performance by country music superstar Eric Church.
Since 2013, MJ&M has been dedicated to empowering kids by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on children’s education, health, and well-being. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, the event has raised over $65 million, helping transform liv es and create opportunities for children in need.
Funds raised through MJ&M support the just keep livin Foundation along with other impactful organizations, including:
- CureDuchenne, advancing research and treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Dell Children’s Medical Center, providing world-class pediatric healthcare
- HeartGift, offering life-saving heart surgeries to children in need
- The Rise School of Austin, supporting early childhood education for children with and without disabilities
We are so excited to come together for another unforgettable event and make a difference in the lives of so many children!
Program Highlights
Just Courts + JKL
A heartfelt thank you to Just Courts for their generous donation installing a new pickleball court at our L.B. Landry High School JKL site in New Orleans! This incredible contribution will provide our students with a valuable opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and engage in healthy competition. We’re excited to see how this new court will benefit the JKL students and enhance their love for playing pickleball!
Joel Bergner + JKL
Artist Joel Bergner, known for his community-driven art projects, along with his global arts organization, Artolution, worked with our JKL students in Austin to create a mural for the SXSW festival. This mural project was a collaborative effort, engaging local JKL youth in the creative process. Through their involvement, students contributed their own artistic expressions to the mural, making it a unique blend of individual creativity and collective vision.
Student Spotlight
12th grade scholar Michael came to the Ralph Ellison JKL program to hang out with his friend, but little did he know this would be one of his best decisions as a senior. Community service was a mental switch for Michael, as he thought he was joining to get credit for his senior graduation. However, he enjoyed donating and organizing resources at the book bank, which later inspired Michael to give food to the homeless community on his way home from JKL. Before joining the JKL program, Michael had a good pulse in respecting the food that enters his body. Still, he grasped the importance of having a good balance of fruits and vegetables, which he learned through the program’s monthly nutrition lessons.
“Michael is extremely dedicated to the JKL program. He comes to all JKL meetings and events with a positive attitude, a kind heart, and an open mind for trying new things. Throughout his time in the JKL program, Michael has shown personal and academic growth. It has been our pleasure watching him flourish in the program,” – Ms. Long, JKL Instructor
Michael is glad he decided to check out JKL that one day to hang out with his friend. Now, he has made several new friends and has been exposed to multiple first-time experiences. He is looking to complete his senior year by ensuring everyone around him knows the importance of smiling and being grateful for the small things in life. After graduation, Michael wants to take on the trade world by learning a skill set within the welding career path. We know Michael will positively impact the world and be a proud JKL alum in all he does!
WISE Scholarship: Meet Dalila
We are thrilled to highlight Dalila, an exceptional young woman who was one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. As the only female recipient this year, Dalila has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her academic and professional aspirations, particularly in the field of marine biology.
Her passion for marine life is evident through her volunteer work at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where she has contributed her time and knowledge to both the aquarium’s initiatives and visitors’ learning experiences. This hands-on experience has fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation and research and continues to motivate her to pursue a career in this field.
In addition to her dedication to marine biology, Dalila has gone above and beyond to advance her academic skills. This past summer, she took advanced math classes to strengthen her math pathways, ensuring she is well-prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.
Beyond academics and volunteering, Dalila is deeply committed to her faith and actively contributes her time to volunteering with her church and pursuing her confirmation. Her strong sense of service and community shines through in everything she does, and her values of compassion, hard work, and perseverance serve as an inspiration to those around her.
When asked about the significance of the WISE Scholarship, Dalila shared that this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to continue pursuing her passion for marine biology and to further her education. She is beyond grateful for the support and excited to see where this journey will take her.
We are incredibly proud of Dalila and all of her achievements th us far. Her dedication to her faith, career pursuits, and academics is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see all the great things she will accomplish in the future.
Camila’s Corner: Zucchini Carrot and Chickpea Fritters
Crunchy, nutritious, and packed with flavor! These Zucchini Carrot and Chickpea Fritters bring together fresh veggies and protein-rich chickpeas for a delicious bite every time. Perfect as a snack, side, or light meal! Click here for the full recipe!
JKL Swag of the Month:
Gratitude is the Attitude! This year’s standout Gratitude shirt design comes from the incredibly talented Kelly Navarro, a student at Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School in Dallas, Texas! Kelly’s creative vision brought this theme to life in a way that truly captures the spirit of thankfulness. Big cheers to Kelly for this awesome design—wear it with pride! Check it out here!