Kickstart Kids Announces “A Lasting Legacy: Tribute to Chuck Norris”
Kickstart Kids Announces “A Lasting Legacy: Tribute to Chuck Norris”
Endowment Launch Event
Houston, Texas — Kickstart Kids announced today that its postponed 2026 Boots and Black Belts Gala will be reimagined as a one-time, special event titled "A Lasting Legacy: Tribute to Chuck Norris," following the recent passing of Charity Founder and Co-Chair Chuck Norris.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston and will serve as the official Endowment Launch for Kickstart Kids, marking a defining moment in the organization's future.
After allowing time for the Norris Family and organizational leadership to thoughtfully consider the path forward, the decision was made to create an experience that both honors Mr. Norris's life and ensures his vision continues to shape generations to come.
"My beloved husband, Chuck, poured his heart into Kickstart Kids because he believed deeply in the potential of every young person," shared Gena Norris, Kickstart Kids Co-Chair and Executive Chair. "This tribute is our family's way of honoring not just who he was, but what he built and what he believed. We are grateful to this community for standing with us and for helping carry his vision forward for generations to come."
The evening will be centered on tribute, storytelling, and reflection, highlighting the profound impact Mr. Norris had on thousands of students through the values embedded in Kickstart Kids programming.
In alignment with the Norris Family's wishes to carry forward his vision in a meaningful way, the event will include the presentation of the Character Award and the Founder's Vision Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify the principles that defined Mr. Norris's life and work.
"Chuck Norris changed lives and next to his family, the thousands of students touched by this program are his greatest legacy," said Bill Hickl, Kickstart Kids National Board Member and Finance Chair. "As a board, we are committed to ensuring that legacy endures, and the launch of the Kickstart Kids Endowment is a meaningful and lasting step toward that goal. We are honored to bring our community together for this extraordinary evening."
Supporters who have already secured tables or tickets will have the opportunity to apply their purchase toward this one-time event or transfer their participation to the April 2027 Boots and Black Belts Gala.
"Mr. Norris dedicated his life to shaping the character and future of young people through Kickstart Kids," said Diana Sayavedra, Executive Director of Kickstart Kids. "This event will allow us to honor that legacy while taking an important step forward to sustain and strengthen the program for years to come."
Additional details regarding the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.kickstartkids.org
