May Newsletter
The 13th Annual Mack, Jack & McConaughey Fundraiser!
This year’s Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) was record-breaking! Over $19 million was raised to benefit the just keep livin Foundation and four remarkable partner beneficiaries: CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, and The Rise School of Austin. We are honored to stand beside these inspiring groups in our shared mission to empower children.
The festivities kicked off Thursday evening at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater with the ever-popular MJ&M Gala. Guests enjoyed a sophisticated cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner, moving tributes, and an exciting live auction. The evening reached its peak with a powerhouse performance by country music icon Eric Church, who captivated the Texas crowd with his energy and emotion.
Friday began in high style with a New York-inspired runway show presented by Neiman Marcus, featuring a stunning collection by acclaimed designer Carolina Herrera. Hosted by MJ&M co-founder Camila McConaughey and Sally Brown, the show offered guests a front-row look at the latest haute couture while spotlighting the event’s philanthropic purpose.
That evening, the beloved Jack & Friends concert brought an unforgettable close to the celebration, once again at The Moody Theater. The intimate, unscripted format featured moving performances by Miranda Lambert, Ryan Bingham, and Lukas Nelson, each artist bringing their unique voice to the stage in support of a worthy cause.
Now in its 13th year, MJ&M continues to blend entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy, proving that when a community comes together, great things happen for kids. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Program Highlights
A Transformative Camping Experience in Joshua Tree
Students from our ASLA and Animo Inglewood programs recently embarked on an unforgettable camping adventure to Joshua Tree National Park—a first-time experience for many. Surrounded by the park’s breathtaking desert landscape, students embraced the journey with open hearts and minds, gaining both practical skills and personal insight along the way.
The trip was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Marland Burke and the Forged Foundation, whose generosity and dedication helped bring this opportunity to life. A special shoutout to Marland for going the extra mile—he surprised every student with a cowboy hat, adding a fun and memorable touch to their desert adventure!
The group camped and participated in a powerful interactive horse experience at Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary, where students learned how to care for horses, goats, and sheep. Many of them had never interacted with animals in this way before, and the sanctuary provided a peaceful space for connection and reflection. Through hands-on activities and guided sessions, students discovered the calming and therapeutic effects of working with horses—gaining insight into how these gentle animals can reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
In addition to their time at the sanctuary, the students explored the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. They hiked scenic trails, learned about the park’s unique ecology and geology, and practiced essential outdoor skills like setting up tents and cooking over a fire pit.
This immersive experience was more than just a camping trip—it was a journey of discovery, growth, and connection to the natural world. We are deeply grateful to our partners and proud of the students who stepped out of their comfort zones to embrace this transformative opportunity.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Teams Up Again with JKL
Academy Sports + Outdoors made a lasting impact on our just keep livin Foundation students by treating 10 deserving participants from our Pinkston and Sunset programs in Dallas to an unforgettable $250 shopping spree. This special experience took place at a local Academy store in celebration of the exciting launch of the new Jordan Brand collection. The generosity didn’t stop there—both JKL programs were also gifted additional Academy gift cards to help purchase much needed items to enhance their programming and student experience. We are incredibly thankful to Academy Sports + Outdoors for their continued support, belief in our mission, and for creating moments that truly uplift and empower the students we serve.
Student Spotlight
Joshua, a standout senior, has been a shining example of leadership, gratitude, and personal growth. Known for his positive energy, Joshua has embraced the JKL program during his last year of high school, especially the wellness pillar, where yoga and meditation have become his way to reflect and center himself. Inspired by his father, he plans to pursue trade school and enter the automobile industry. Whether trying golf for the first time or making lifelong friendships in the program, Joshua’s journey has been marked by resilience and self-discovery.
“You can figure out who you are becoming and express yourself in the program without being judged. If I could have 10 Joshua’s, every day would be a greater day.”
-Ms. Caldwell, JKL Instructor
We’ll miss his warm spirit, but we know his future is incredibly bright—especially as he continues to spread the power of gratitude wherever he goes.
WISE Scholarship Program: Meet Augustin
This month, we are thrilled to highlight Agustin, our WISE ambassador and one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. Agustin has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment and excellence, as evidenced by his 4.0 GPA, extensive extracurricular involvement, and unwavering dedication to JKL. He was also our first and only student to take an AP course this past school year.
Over the past two years, Agustin has consistently challenged himself to grow, overcoming personal fears—including horseback riding—and striving for excellence in every endeavor. He is looking forward to pursuing a career in business with the hopes of one day opening a restaurant. He hopes to one day make eating out healthy and affordable for the people in his community.
We are so proud of Agustin and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Camila’s Corner: Quick + Easy Blender Salsa
Spice up your Cinco de Mayo with KaleJunkie’s viral blender salsa—fresh, bold flavor in under 5 minutes, no fancy ingredients needed. Perfect for chips, veggies, or your fiesta favorites! Full recipe here!
JKL Swag of the Month: New Product Alert!
Meet your new everyday essential — our sleek belt bag is built for life on the go, whether you’re commuting, tackling errands, or heading out on your next adventure. Choose from classic Black or Navy, each featuring the just keep livin Foundation logo for a touch of purpose-driven style. Click here to purchase!