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More than 400 people gathered Thursday morning for the 17th annual Lou & Mary Henson Community Breakfast, a record-breaking event for the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces held at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
Two shining examples of courage took the stage early. Soledad Hibner, the 2025 New Mexico Junior Youth of the Year, and Brayden Gantzler, the 2025 Youth of the Year, shared emotional stories of how the Club became a stabilizing force in their lives during uncertain times. Both described the Club as their anchor, offering guidance, safety, and a place to dream big.
Soledad confidently spoke of her goal to become an astronaut and serve as a role model for others, particularly young girls. Brayden followed with his aspiration to become a marine biologist. He shared how he went from survivor to someone who thrives finding mentorship in helping learn to trust others and develop a desire to “help those who can’t help themselves.”
Their stories set the tone for keynote speaker Tim Brown, NFL Hall of Famer and storied Oakland Raiders wide receiver. Brown, who grew up in Dallas and rose to football greatness at Notre Dame, spoke of grit, mentorship, and life lessons, values he also gained as a Boys & Girls Club member.
Adam Young, TV/Radio sportscaster for New Mexico State University, led a Q&A on stage where Brown recalled the moment Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz told Brown he would win the Heisman Trophy, years before it happened. “I had to turn around,” Brown said, laughing. “I thought someone else had walked in.” He shared how Holtz challenged his thinking: “You can have both.” Explaining he meant academics and football. It was a revelation to him after his mother fixated him on going to Notre Dame to get an education. Brown also revealed how he kept his early football days a secret from his mother until a newspaper article outed him. When she confronted him, he told her, “Talk to the man you married. He said I could do it.” She continued urging him to quit until much later. The story was a powerful reminder of humble beginnings and the importance of having someone believe in you.
Brown also shared how he drew inspiration from another NFL great, Jerry Rice.
“Whenever you said we’ll do five, Jerry would say I’ll do seven,” Brown said.
Brown also told of his great disappointment of not winning the Super Bowl.
“When they say will all the Super Bowl champions stand up? It’s tough,” he said.
Brown always wanted the team achievement more than any personal one and referring to his Hall of Fame attire.
“I’d trade this jacket and this ring for that,” he said.
Now devoted to youth outreach, Brown runs football camps and supports kids wherever he can. After his keynote, he stayed until every attendee who wanted a photo or autograph got one—his warmth and generosity matching the spirit of the event.
That generosity was on full display during the live auction, where autographed footballs sold for $1,000 each. Mark Figueroa, owner of Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy, drew laughs and applause when he called from the back of the room, “I’ll take four!”
The Lou & Mary Henson Community Breakfast has been a cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces for 17 years, an event conceived by Lou and Mary Henson at a time when the Club was facing deep financial uncertainty. The legendary NMSU basketball coach and his wife used their stature and community ties to help stabilize the Club’s future, launching what would become its most vital annual fundraiser. Though Lou passed away in 2020, his legacy lives on, not only through the breakfast, but soon through the Club’s basketball court which will have the Henson name on it. This is part of the new expanded home for the club, a renovation of an old theater on El Paseo Road. Mary Henson, a steadfast champion of the Club’s mission, addressed the crowd before the keynote to honor her late husband and thank the sponsors and everyone there. Her words were a touching reminder that the spirit of mentorship and perseverance the Hensons embodied is still alive and well.
Ashley Echavarria, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces shared that stories like the ones told by club members Hibner and Gantzler are what keep her going, even on the toughest days.
"I continue to be overwhelmed by the community's outpouring of support each year during this event. There are no words to express our gratitude to the Hensons and every community member who continues to show up for our kids in support of our important mission. The generosity of everyone in the room today goes directly toward helping us continue the essential everyday work of providing a safe, nurturing space where young people can learn, grow and thrive,” Echavarria said.
The morning ended much as it began: with standing applause, warm embraces, and a feeling that hope—like breakfast—is best when shared.
