Cabana was established in 2014 to give our middle school tweens an opportunity to experience the joy of fundraising through fun, fellowship, and service. Designed as a precursor to COPA, Cabana introduces our younger members to the concept of “partying with a purpose” and prepares them for the larger-scale planning, leadership, and philanthropic experience that awaits them with COPA.

More than just a social event, Cabana is an opportunity for our middle schoolers to take an active role in bringing an event to life. With guidance and support, the tweens help plan, organize, promote, and facilitate a memorable party enjoyed by hundreds of fellow middle schoolers. Through the process, they gain valuable hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, event planning, communication, budgeting, fundraising, and community engagement. Most importantly, they learn that having fun and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others can go hand in hand.

Cabana also provides our tweens with an early introduction to philanthropy. They see firsthand how their ideas, creativity, and hard work can generate resources that support important causes in their community and beyond. Proceeds from the event benefit the Metropolitan Chapter’s BOOST Scholarship as well as the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, extending the impact of Cabana far beyond the celebration itself.

As a stepping stone to COPA, Cabana helps cultivate the next generation of young leaders and philanthropists. By giving middle schoolers ownership of an event created for their peers, Cabana builds confidence, encourages responsibility, strengthens friendships, and instills the importance of service at an early age.

Since its inception in 2014, Cabana has remained a celebration with a greater purpose—youth leading youth, fellowship fueling philanthropy, and fun creating an opportunity to give back. It is where our middle schoolers begin to understand that a great party can create great impact and that they, too, have the power to make a difference.