For 25 years, H-E-B Partners (employees) have demonstrated what it truly means to be a community champion. This year was no exception as H-E-B Partners from across Central Texas came together for another successful annual Bowl-a-thon benefiting Junior Achievement of Central Texas (JA).

The event welcomed approximately 320 H-E-B Partners representing stores throughout Austin, Marble Falls, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, Kyle, Buda, and Pflugerville. Held at Highland Lanes, the Bowl-a-thon featured 64 teams, the most teams in the last decade, competing in an evening filled with bowling, trivia, door prizes, camaraderie, and a themed photo booth.

This year’s theme was Glow-Bowl. Partners embraced the fun with creative team costumes, including SpongeBob characters, Neon Painters, Glow Bee Keepers from Bee Cave, H-E-B Lite Bright, and many more. While the costumes and competition brought plenty of excitement, the true purpose of the event was creating JA opportunities for local students.

This year's event raised upwards of 41,000 in net proceeds, enough to help provide Junior Achievement programming to approximately 520 additional young people throughout Central Texas. Through JA's programs, students gain critical skills and capabilities in career-connected experiences through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness that help prepare them for future success.

A Tradition of Community Impact

The Bowl-a-thon has become a cherished H-E-B tradition. Over the past 25 years, H-E-B Partners have participated in Bowl-a-thons benefiting JA of Central Texas and have collectively contributed close to $1,000,000 in support of local students.

A significant portion of those funds comes directly from the creativity and dedication of H-E-B Partners. Teams raise money through personal donations and by hosting fundraising efforts in their stores, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and other items to support Junior Achievement's mission.

The event exemplifies H-E-B's commitment to "Helping Here" by investing in the communities where its Partners live and work.

JA of Central Texas extends its gratitude to every Partner who participated as a bowler, fundraiser, volunteer, or supporter. Special thanks also go to the customers who purchased hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and other fundraising items throughout the campaign. Every contribution helped make a meaningful difference for local students.

Leadership That Makes a Difference

The success of this annual event would not be possible without dedicated leaders who help bring it to life year after year. JA of Central Texas would like to recognize and thank Tamra Jones, Casey Escamilla, and Collin Miller for their leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to strengthening this long-standing partnership.

Their efforts continue to ensure that thousands of students throughout Central Texas have access to life-changing educational experiences.

A Partnership That Feels Like Family

Emily Long, Market President of JA of Central Texas, reflected on the unique culture that has made the partnership with H-E-B so special.

"I have now worked with H-E-B for almost a decade. It is hard to explain the beauty in the work culture that is H-E-B because it is so unique. Not only the diversity in their staffing or the equity in their management style, but the kindness they show each other and their unwavering support of charitable endeavors.

H-E-B stores have individually supported JA, our local schools, and educators by not only donating to the Bowl-a-thon but also by collaborating on educator recognition events, donating breakfast items, gift cards, water bottles, and much more.

H-E-B is more than just a workplace; it is a way of life. If you look up a Partner on LinkedIn, it probably won't have a headshot or detailed information from past jobs. It usually only has H-E-B with a start date to present. H-E-B creates more than a group of work colleagues selling groceries, but a family working to do more and be more for their communities.

I am truly honored that I and JA of Central Texas have been invited into that family."

As another successful Bowl-a-thon comes to a close, the impact will continue far beyond the bowling lanes. Thanks to the generosity of H-E-B Partners and their communities, hundreds more Central Texas students will gain access to the tools, resources, and experiences they need to build brighter futures.