The Téa Bayonne Choates Foundation is preparing for Girl, LIVE! 2026: All Things New, a three-day empowerment weekend scheduled for Oct. 9-11 that will bring together girls, women, families, mentors, foster families, advocates and community organizations.
This year, organizers are expanding access to the event, with several portions of the weekend free and open to the community. Girl, LIVE! focuses on helping girls and women build confidence, strengthen their sense of identity, recognize healthy and unhealthy relationships, understand dating violence, develop resilience and connect with supportive adults and community resources.
The weekend begins Friday evening with a free community worship experience. Women, girls, families, youth groups, mentors, organizations and other community members are invited to attend. This year’s program will feature Diana Marie, known as All Sufficient One.
Saturday morning will continue with free empowerment sessions led by community professionals and subject-matter experts. Topics are expected to include identity, self-worth, dating violence, healthy relationships, resilience, personal growth and other issues affecting girls and women.
Although there is no charge for the Friday evening program or Saturday morning sessions, registration is required to help organizers plan adequate meeting space and accommodations. Mothers and daughters, mentors and mentees, women’s groups, youth-serving organizations and other community members are encouraged to participate.
The signature Girl, LIVE! Gala will be held Saturday evening, featuring youth recognition, community awards, the announcement of Girl, LIVE! Cheer Scholarships, dinner and a celebration of individuals and organizations making a difference in the community.
General community attendance at the gala requires a donation. The gala, however, is offered at no cost to participating foster youth and many of the adults and organizations directly supporting them, including foster parents, group home staff and chaperones, Guardians ad Litem, youth advocates and invited community partners.
A major goal for 2026 is to provide the entire Girl, LIVE! experience at no cost to as many as 150 foster girls. Community sponsorships help cover accommodations, programming, meals, event shirts, formal gowns, shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup services and other experiences throughout the weekend.
Ahead of the October event, registered Girl, LIVE! participants will have an opportunity to prepare for the gala during a gown fitting on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Christian Retreat Conference Center, 1200 Glory Way Blvd. in Bradenton.
During the fitting, youth will select their gowns, shoes and jewelry for the gala and will take the items with them that day. The formalwear and accessories are provided free to participating youth. Organizers are asking participants to provide accurate dress and shoe sizes when registering because sizes may be limited.
Girl, LIVE! also welcomes women and girls who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence, along with those who may benefit from encouragement, education, positive connections and a supportive community.
Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available for businesses, nonprofits, agencies, organizations and individuals interested in supporting or participating in the weekend.
Registration for Girl, LIVE! 2026 is now open. Additional information is available through the Girl, LIVE! website at girllive.org.
