Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka to Host Third Annual Rise & Shine Breakfast
Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka (BGCT) will host its third annual Rise & Shine Breakfast on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Adams Club, 550 SE 27th St. in Topeka. This year’s theme is “Topeka Needs Club Kids. Club Kids Need You.” The event will celebrate the contributions of Club youth and alumni and invite the community to invest in the young people who help shape Topeka’s future.
Rise & Shine will bring the Club experience to life through youth engagement and stories of mentorship, belonging and opportunity. Guests will see how community support helps Club kids build the skills and confidence to contribute today and become tomorrow’s educators, entrepreneurs, skilled workers and community leaders.
Guests will step through the blue door and experience the energy, laughter and sense of belonging that make the Club special. They’ll meet Club kids, alumni and staff, explore programs and discover what it feels like to be welcomed, encouraged and supported. “Topeka Needs Club Kids. Club Kids Need You.” comes to life through these connections, inviting every guest to “Be the One” who opens a door to opportunity for a young person.
This year’s featured speaker is Michael Williams, educator, coach, community leader and BGCT alumnus, whose own story demonstrates the lasting impact of the Club. Williams has spent 12 years working with SparkWheel to support students in Topeka Public Schools and previously served as head coach of the Highland Park Runnin’ Scots. During his seven seasons as head coach, Williams compiled a 119-43 record, led the team to five Kansas Class 5A state tournament appearances and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors.
Williams continued his connection to BGCT by bringing Highland Park players to the Club to lead basketball clinics, giving his athletes an opportunity to lead through service while providing younger Club members with mentors who showed up for them and believed in their potential.
“What the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka gave me as a young person, I carry with me to this day,” Williams said.
Guests will also get an exciting sneak peak of what lies ahead for BGCT and the opportunities its next chapter will create for Club kids and our community.
“Topeka needs Club kids because our community is stronger when young people have the opportunity to share their talents, care for others and discover where they belong,” said Dawn McWilliams, chief executive officer of BGCT. “Every child has something special to offer. When we surround them with encouragement, trusted relationships and opportunities to grow, we help them see what is possible for themselves and the difference they can make in Topeka.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka
BGCT provides young people with safe, supportive environments where they can learn, grow and discover their potential. Across 14 Clubs and four school districts, BGCT supports youth 5-18 years old and working families through programs and experiences focused on academic success, health and wellness, workforce readiness, character and leadership.
The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need the Club most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
For more information about the event or to support BGCT, visit www.bgctopeka.org or contact Tori Burkhardt at (785) 600-8537 or deae@bgctopeka.org.
