Events - Friends For Life

Saturday, August 22, 2026

2026 Pathways to Possibilities Conference

We are excited to invite you to the 2026 Pathways to Possibilities Conference — a day dedicated to resources, connection, inspiration, and opportunities that support families and self-advocates in building brighter futures.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Baylor University — Cashion Academic Center - 1401 S 4th St, Waco, TX 76706

What to Expect

This event will offer:

Transition resources
Disability supports
Community services
Networking opportunities
Meaningful connection for families and self-advocates

Registration

Choose the registration option that works best for you:

Friday, September 18, 2026

Diamond Divas Pageant

Join Mercy House Assisted Living & Memory Care for the 1st Annual Diamond Divas Pageant, a joyful celebration honoring remarkable senior women whose sparkle comes from wisdom, resilience, and the beautiful stories they carry.

This special event is all about celebrating women, creating wonderful memories, and giving each Diamond Diva her well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Guests can look forward to an uplifting morning filled with laughter, encouragement, applause, and heartfelt moments as contestants take the stage in formal wear and share a little of their personality, experiences, and wisdom.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Crestview Church of Christ - 7129 Delhi Rd., Waco, TX 76712

Pageant Categories

Contestants may participate in one of five categories:

65+ Independent
Assisted Living
Skilled Nursing
Aging at Home with Assistance
Memory Care

Contestants must be from the Waco area and may reside independently, in an assisted living or memory care community, in a skilled nursing facility, or at home with assistance. Each contestant will also need one formal-dressed escort to accompany her throughout the pageant.

Registration

The contestant registration fee is $100, and completed registration materials are due by September 1, 2026. Contestants will also submit a photo and a short “Philosophy of Life” sharing some of the wisdom, values, or experiences that have shaped their lives.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses, organizations, families, and community members are invited to help sponsor contestants and support the Diamond Divas Pageant.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, and funds help provide items such as crowns, sashes, refreshments, and other pageant expenses. Any remaining funds after pageant expenses will be donated to TORCH.

Interested in participating or becoming a sponsor?
Contact Mercy House at 254-752-1008 or email lisa@mercy.house for more information.

Come help us celebrate a beautiful reminder that true beauty does not age—it grows brighter with time!

Saturday, October 3, 2026

TOUCHDOWNS 2026 — 9th Annual Celebration!

It's TOUCHDOWNS time again in Central Texas, and we couldn't be more excited! Join us for the NINTH annual TOUCHDOWNS event at Crusader Stadium to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month with the special needs community and their families.

Event Details

WHO: All members of the special needs community are invited to attend the TOUCHDOWNS!

WHAT: UMHB Football vs. Keystone College
WHEN: Saturday, October 3rd | 4:00 PM – End of Game
WHERE: Crusader Stadium, Belton
WHY: Because it's our favorite game of the year!

What You Need to Know

TOUCHDOWNS is hosted by UMHB Athletics in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and it’s open to ALL members of the special needs community and their families—caretakers, babysitters, the next-door neighbor who comes over for Sunday dinner, and everyone in between. (Just no furry friends unless they’re service animals, please! 😊)

FREE admission! Anyone in the special needs community gets free entry to the game by using the keyword ‘TOUCHDOWNS’ at any ticket gate on game day. Expect lots of in-game shout-outs, celebrity appearances on the video board, and hopefully a great Cru win!

The Day's Lineup

4:00 PM — Gates open

4:30 PM — The CRUise! UMHB Football,Cheer, Band, and the Sader Belles make their way to Bawcom Student Union for a pre-game pep rally. Enjoy photobooths, meet-and-greets with UMHB athletes, dance competitions, and more!

Halftime — Athletes with special needs take the field to score a touchdown, joined by VIPs alongside the SaderBelles, Cru Cheer, band, and more.

If you have an athlete with special needs who would like to score a touchdown at halftime, dance, and/or cheer, click here for registration. (Deadline for free t-shirt is 9/17.)