On June 3, supporters from across the network gathered at the iconic ACL Live in Austin for a historic evening: IDEA Promise Foundation’s inaugural Key Gala: Unlocking Possibilities. 

For the first time ever, our signature national fundraiser traveled beyond the Rio Grande Valley, marking an exciting new chapter in our mission to support IDEA students on their journey to and through college. Together, donors, alumni, community partners, and supporters helped raise over $540,000 in support of IDEA students and alumni! 

All proceeds from the event will support IDEA’s Scholarship Fund, which awards more than $1.5 million annually to help our scholars overcome financial barriers and access the financial support they need on their journey to college and beyond. The evening also featured a special paddle raise benefiting the Al & Judy Lopez Endowed Fund, an investment that will continue opening doors for generations. 

Throughout the night, guests heard powerful stories from IDEA leaders and alumni, including siblings Luis Ayala and Daniela Ayala-Pena. Luis, an IDEA Montopolis alumnus and first-generation college graduate, shared how education helped transform the trajectory of his family. Today, all three of his younger sisters have followed in his footsteps at IDEA Montopolis. Daniela, who graduated this spring and will begin college in the fall, joined him on stage as part of a story that perfectly embodied the evening’s theme: Unlocking Possibilities. 

Their journey highlighted the ripple effect that opportunity can have — not just for one student, but for an entire family. A special video featuring all three Ayala sisters and one of their favorite educators further brought their story to life as they shared memories, asked one another questions, and reflected on the impact IDEA has had on their lives. Watch the video here. 

Guests also enjoyed an exciting silent and live auction, a raffle, and a special concert performance by Austin-native artist Max Frost, bringing the spirit and energy of Austin to this milestone event. 

This unforgettable evening would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and community partners. We extend a special thanks to our Master Key Presenting Sponsor, McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and our Founders Key Sponsors, EPIC and Regions Bank, for their leadership and partnership in helping bring this event to life. We are also grateful to PNC Bank, our Live Music Sponsor, for helping create an incredible concert experience for our guests. 

Most importantly, we thank every donor, sponsor, bidder, raffle participant, volunteer, and guest who joined us in Austin. Your generosity demonstrated what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in students and their futures. 

While the evening may be over, its impact is only beginning. Because of our supporters, more IDEA students will have the support they need to pursue their college dreams, persist through challenges, and achieve their goals. 

Thank you for helping us unlock possibilities. 

We look forward to continuing this journey next year as the Key Gala travels to San Antonio, TX in April 2027!