XOXO Reece Foundation hosts 4th Annual Birthday Bash to raise funds for local youth athletes

Local Arlington non-profit changes young lives in four years since inception

"Getting the XOXO Reece scholarship was a big deal for me and my whole team. With the help of the scholarship, I was able to afford to travel and compete at Fargo and Duals. It helped advance my wrestling so much during my senior year and was one of the deciding factors in my continuing wrestling into college. The XOXO Reece scholarship changed the game for me in so many ways." –Jalynn Patino

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XOXO Reece–an Arlington-based 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing support through scholarships to help girls and boys achieve their dreams–will host its 4^th Annual XOXO Reece Birthday Bash on Sunday, August 31. Reece was a competitive gymnast, honor roll student, beloved daughter, sister and friend. Her life was cut tragically short when she died at 14 due to an unexplainable brain hemorrhage. Determined to keep her spirit alive, this event–which will be held on what would have been her 18th birthday–will raise funds to provide scholarships for 10 gymnasts to compete, including entry fees and other competition-related costs, such as travel and lodging.

When: Sunday, August 31, 2025, 3:00pm until 9:00pm

Where: Firehouse Gastro Park; 321 W. Main Street, Grand Prairie 75050

What: The event is free and open to the public, with all proceeds supporting the XOXO Reece Foundation and its mission to uplift children and families through scholarships and acts of kindness.

• Ride the Bulldog. Bid on something cool. Celebrate with heart. Attendees can expect food and drinks, live music, pop-up shops and a few special competitions.
• This year XOXO Reece is collaborating with Backpack Dreams, a youth-led, fair-trade fundraising initiative that empowers students to raise money and make a global impact. Every purchase supports women artisans around the world and helps fund the mission of the XOXO Reece Foundation, honoring Reece through scholarships, youth programs, and community love. When you shop, 33% of the proceeds go directly to XOXO Reece and every item purchased changes lives both locally and globally. Let's turn back-to-school season into a movement of generosity and purpose! Shop now and support our campaign.
• Funds raised through a virtual silent auction will provide scholarships for gymnasts to compete in upcoming events. To donate products and services to the silent auction, visit XOXOReece.com/birthday-bash-sponsor.
• Youth interested in applying for the scholarship can visit XOXOReece.com/scholarships.

 Why: XOXO Reece formed to honor the life and legacy of Reece Shepard by supporting the missions she was passionate about, which were God, family and youth sports. We are 100% donation-based and 100% volunteer-run. Since 2021, XOXO Reece has supported the lives of youths including but not limited to:

• Scholarships for 15 gymnasts
• Scholarships for more than 40 wrestlers
• Scholarships for youth involved in rodeo and volleyball

"My family was going through a really tough time financially, so getting this scholarship meant the world to us. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to continue to pursue my love for gymnastics. Gymnastics was Reece's passion, and it makes me smile to know that the money raised in her memory is helping others enjoy the sport she loved so much. This scholarship has truly made a difference in my life, and I know it will do the same for others." --Rachel Hoar

For more information, visit xoxoReece.com or https://linktr.ee/xoxoreece.
Donations: For more information about the event and to donate to the silent auction, contact [email protected].

For media requests or to schedule an interview contact Shawna McGregor at [email protected] or 917-971-7852.

SOURCE XOXO Reece Foundation