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ConfiKids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved children access confidence-building sports and arts programs, will host its 3rd Annual Inspiration Gala on March 28, 2026, at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. The event will raise critical funds to ensure local youth can participate in enrichment opportunities that help them grow, belong, and thrive.
Founded in 2017, ConfiKids provides financial assistance for low-income children in grades 1–8 across Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties. Eligibility is based on participation in the Free Lunch Program, ensuring support reaches families most impacted by rising costs.
ConfiKids founder Rachel Calabrese, a former recreation program coordinator for the Town of Foxboro, started the organization after repeatedly encountering families who could not afford extracurricular programs.“Parents would call asking for scholarships for robotics, tennis, flag football—you name it,” Calabrese said. “I realized that if there was a need in Foxboro, the need was even greater across our communities. These programs are where kids make friends, build skills, and gain confidence. That’s why I started ConfiKids.”
In 2025, ConfiKids provided more than $201,000 in awards, funding 535 children for sports, arts, and other enrichment programs. These opportunities give kids a chance to pursue their dreams—whether that’s baseball, dance, art, gymnastics, or martial arts. However, financial barriers continue to grow:
The average cost for a child to play a sport now exceeds $500 per season and more than $1,000 per school year, a 46% increase since 2019.
Children from low-income families are six times more likely to quit sports due to cost.
The 2026 Inspiration Gala will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers who will share their personal journeys and insights on perseverance, confidence, and success. Guests will also hear directly from students impacted by ConfiKids programming.
Featured Speakers Include:
Kristine Lilly, the most-capped player in U.S. women’s soccer history with 354 international appearances and 130 goals for Team USA.
Frederick Richard, American artistic gymnast, 2023 World All-Around Bronze Medalist, and 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist with Team USA.
Rob Surette, a nationally renowned speed painter and motivational artist celebrated for his high-energy, large-scale live performances.
“The Inspiration Gala is a chance for our community to come together and celebrate the power of opportunity,” said Calabrese. “When you invest in a child’s interests, you invest in their confidence—and that can change their future.”
To support ConfiKids or learn more about the Inspiration Gala, visit ConfiKids.org or contact Rachel Calabrese at Rachel@confikids.org.
