Heads Up For Our Youth (HUFOY) is proud to announce a powerful new partnership with the NC Hurricanes Youth Football League, a collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to developing strong, confident, and well-prepared young people. This partnership goes far beyond sports. It represents a united mission to equip student athletes with the tools, mindset, and support they need to succeed in school, in life, in the future workforce and at home.
While the NC Hurricanes have already built a culture of excellence on the field, their leadership continues to demonstrate that true success includes preparing their young athletes for every arena of life. Their willingness to partner with HUFOY shows vision, heart, and true dedication to the long-term growth of their students. We applaud the NC Hurricanes leadership team for recognizing the importance of professional development and for actively seeking opportunities that uplift their athletes academically, socially, and professionally.
Through this partnership, HUFOY will provide a structured Professional Development Program designed specifically for youth ages 6 to 11. Student athletes will receive training in communication, discipline, accountability, leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-mastery. They will also build their first professional resume, learn corporate-ready behavior, and develop lifelong skills that prepare them for the real world, not just the scoreboard.
For many young people, sports offer mentorship, community, and purpose. This new program expands that foundation by adding critical life-readiness skills that help them navigate the future with confidence. The combination of athletic discipline and professional development creates a well-rounded, powerful pathway toward success.
HUFOY is honored to partner with such a forward-thinking organization. Together, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, empowering them to rise in their classrooms, careers, communities, home, and beyond.
This is what collaboration looks like. This is what community looks like. And most importantly, this is what preparing our youth for the future looks like.
Executive Director Dwayne Shaw
Heads Up For Our Youth presents “Disconnected,” a powerful story revealing the hidden struggles today’s teens face.
The story follows Shaquilla O’Neil, a bright but overwhelmed 15-year-old navigating heartbreak, social media pressure, and emotional pain she keeps to herself. After a public breakup explodes across Instagram, Shaquilla spirals through a sleepless night, feeling more alone than ever.
But she’s not the only one hurting.
Shaquilla secretly brings food every morning to her friend Myesha Brown, a homeless teen hiding her situation from everyone except Shaquilla. Along their walk to school, they meet their friends — Jahrel, Tahrel, Jamie, Neisha, and Drakarri — each masking their own issues with jokes, attitude, and distraction.
At school, everything comes to a breaking point when Shaquilla’s teacher, Mrs. McGuillicuddy, confiscates her phone. Shaquilla snaps, leading to a classroom altercation that exposes just how overwhelmed she truly is.
The premiere of The Big 10, the new documentary from Heads Up For Our Youth, stands as a milestone moment for the organization and the entire community it serves. After a decade of consistent commitment, innovative programming, and hands-on engagement, this film brings to light the stories, the people, and the purpose behind an effort that has now reached nearly 10,000 youth and their families.
Designed for the community, supporters, and current and future stakeholders, the premiere offers a powerful inside look at how a group of dedicated individuals united to fight economic and educational disparities within the Guilford County school system. Viewers will see the real work: mentoring, providing school resources, creating safe spaces, building pipelines of opportunity, and strengthening the foundation for youth who often have the least access to support.
More than a film screening, this event serves a larger purpose. It positions the organization for greater visibility, expanding its reach into underserved and marginalized populations. By bringing together community leaders, business partners, families, and volunteers, the premiere becomes a shared moment of reflection on what has been accomplished and a rallying point for what comes next.
The Big 10 is not just a documentary. It is proof that sustained effort, authentic relationships, and community-centered leadership can transform lives. The premiere invites everyone to witness that story and join the mission as HUFOY steps boldly into its next decade of impact.
Heads Up For Our Youth is rolling out an unforgettable evening at Congdon Yards with our All In For Our Youth Charity Casino Night, a Harlem Nights–themed celebration designed to unite supporters, partners, and friends for a powerful cause. As we move toward the 11th Annual Back to School Rally, this signature fundraiser invites the community to come together as we bet on the bright future of our youth.
The night brings a perfect mix of fun, fellowship, music, and gaming, all set against the stylish backdrop of vintage Harlem nightlife. Guests will enjoy casino tables, light food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the energy of the era while highlighting the mission that drives our work.
More than a themed event, the Charity Casino Night serves a meaningful purpose. Every contribution helps raise essential funds for our upcoming Back to School Rally, where hundreds of students will receive bookbags, supplies, resources, and encouragement to start the school year strong.
Join us as we celebrate community, elevate our mission, and go all in for the youth who deserve every opportunity to thrive.
The 11th Annual Back to School Rally stands as one of the region’s most anticipated community events, bringing families, students, educators, businesses, and volunteers together with one purpose: to prepare young people for a strong and successful school year. Each year, this rally provides students with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to walk into the classroom confident and ready to learn.
This year’s event continues the mission by offering free bookbags, school supplies, resources, and activities designed to support youth academically, socially, and emotionally. Families will have access to community partners and service providers who share information on health, education, mentoring, financial literacy, career pathways, after-school programs, and more. The Rally creates a powerful bridge connecting families to the opportunities that help children thrive long after the event ends.
Local businesses, organizations, and leaders are invited to join us as sponsors for this impactful community event. Sponsorship packages help support school supplies, youth programming, entertainment, operational resources, and the overall experience for families. Sponsors not only invest in the future of our youth but also gain visibility as champions of education and equity in our community.
More than a celebration, the Back to School Rally is a commitment to leveling the playing field for underserved and marginalized students. It takes a united community to create lasting opportunity, and this annual tradition continues to grow because of partners who believe in the potential of every child.
This year, we welcome everyone to stand with us as we empower the next generation. Together, we can ensure that students start the school year prepared, supported, and inspired.
The Heads Up For Our Youth Charity Golf Pro Am is more than a day on the course. It is a meaningful opportunity for golfers, businesses, community leaders, and supporters to come together and make a direct impact on young people across Guilford County.
This signature event raises essential funding for HUFOY’s Professional Development Programs, which equip students with life skills, mentorship, career readiness training, leadership development, and the confidence needed to navigate school, work, and life. Every swing, every putt, and every team on the green helps expand these programs for youth who benefit the most.
Golfers will enjoy a fun and competitive Pro Am format, networking opportunities, light refreshments, prizes, and an unforgettable day of fellowship. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, your participation fuels real change for the next generation.
You support life-changing programs for youth
You help strengthen opportunities for underserved families
You connect with community partners and local leaders
You enjoy a memorable day of golf with purpose
Join us on the course and help drive brighter futures.
Register today and be part of something that truly matters.
Heads Up For Our Youth is proud to host the 4th Annual Holiday Coat and Toy Drive, a cherished community tradition that brings hope and warmth to children and families during the winter season. This event is designed to meet real needs at a critical time of year, offering new coats, toys, and holiday cheer to households that deserve support and encouragement.
Each year, generous donors, volunteers, and partners come together to ensure that no child faces the cold without a warm coat and no family has to go without the joy of holiday gifts. The drive uplifts young people with practical essentials and gives parents a reason to smile during a season that can be challenging for many.
Families will experience a welcoming celebration filled with kindness, connection, and a spirit of giving. Community members, schools, businesses, and supporters play a vital role by donating items, sponsoring children, and helping distribute resources directly to those in need.
Coats help protect children through the cold winter months
Toys bring happiness and create lasting holiday memories
Families feel supported and valued by their community
Volunteers and donors see their impact in real time
As we celebrate our fourth year of serving families through this initiative, we invite everyone to join us in spreading warmth and joy. Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for every child.
Support the drive. Volunteer. Donate. Share the love.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — What began a decade ago as a small gesture to ease the back-to-school burden for families has now become one of the most anticipated community events in the Triad. On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Heads Up For Our Youth (HUFOY) celebrated its milestone 10th Annual Back to School Rally at the First Horizon Special Events Center—and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
This year’s rally shattered expectations with 2,163 registrations—an all-time record—and 1,814 attendees, filling the coliseum with excitement, pride, and purpose. Parents and children alike walked away not only with 1,000 free bookbags filled with school supplies, but also with memories of a day that blended resources, entertainment, and empowerment.
The rally hosted 34 community partners, providing families with connections to services ranging from health screenings and education support to financial literacy and arts enrichment. Among them were LegalShield / IDShield, Que the Music Performing Arts Academy, American Descendants of Slavery Advocacy Foundation, Legal Aid of NC/NC Navigator Consortium, Greensboro Fire Department, Reading Connections, RYZE Charter Academy, EMOTIONS Organization, The B Positive Movement, Triad Amateur Swim Association, Fun360°Cam, Oak Street Health, Fit Collect Athletics, Savvy Insurance Agency, NHS Program, HBCU RECRUIT, Guilford County Schools, Main Event Greensboro, Shift_ed, Triad Adult & Pediatric Medicine, Bridging Voices Therapeutic Services, GO FAR, The Kid In Me Tastee Treats, Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, Tim Street Ministries, Beyond The Bell Podcast, Piedmont Federal Credit Union, and Sister Circle International.
The success of the milestone rally was also made possible through the generosity of key sponsors, including Truliant Federal Credit Union, Volvo Financial Services, The McKain Partnership Group, Modern Infiniti, Heads Up Barber & Beauty, Andmore, and The Headley Group Realty. Their contributions helped ensure HUFOY could provide not just resources, but a memorable experience for every family who attended.
The energy peaked with the Charity Basketball Game, where Coach Maurice Farrow’s “King of Kings” squared off against Coach Richard Lide’s “Playmakers.” In a nail-biter that had the crowd on its feet, the King of Kings clinched the win 28-26 on a dramatic go-ahead three-pointer.
For the players—local teens—stepping onto a college court for the first time was transformative. “We never played on a college court before—it felt like we were in the D-League!” one youth exclaimed. Parents echoed the sentiment, describing the atmosphere as “good energy” and “a great platform and opportunity for the team.”
The halftime show kept the adrenaline flowing with slam dunk and girls’ three-point contests, an electrifying performance from Jogg Cheer, and the ever-popular youth tug-of-war. Meanwhile, the Fun Zone was buzzing as kids tried their hand at pickleball, posed at the Fun360° cam, and tested the hockey play space from the Greensboro Gargoyles.
HUFOY also made dreams a reality by awarding three $1,000 scholarships to local students—Jordan Neal, Imani Colbert, and Jeremiah Jett. In a groundbreaking first, two youth athletes received NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, further underscoring HUFOY’s commitment to opening doors for young people.
The milestone celebration was also a moment to reflect on leadership. Special honors included:
Excellence in Leadership Award: Chairwoman Jennifer J. Dove for her steady guidance of HUFOY’s board.
Appreciation Award: Coach Jameka Price of Jogg Cheer, recognized for her unwavering dedication since 2018.
Pioneer in Nonprofit Leadership Award: Executive Director Dwayne Shaw, for his vision and decade-long commitment to building HUFOY’s platform.
Music and entertainment filled every corner thanks to DJ Tito, who kept the crowd moving, and guest game announcer DJ Vanex, whose booming energy turned the basketball showdown into a professional-grade spectacle.
From start to finish, the event was praised for its professionalism and organization. Parents highlighted how well the event was coordinated, while youth left bragging about their medals, their court time, and the thrill of being part of something bigger.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves and all parts of the event,” one parent said. “This was more than just a rally—this was community.”
As HUFOY closed the chapter on its first decade of rallies, one thing was clear: the organization has built far more than an event. It has created a tradition, a platform, and a pipeline of opportunity for youth in Guilford County and beyond.
With record attendance, expanded resources, and unforgettable experiences, the 10th Annual Back to School Rally was a resounding success—cementing HUFOY’s legacy and leaving families already asking: What’s next year going to look like?
HUFOY’s mission is to provide economic development and educational opportunities and equality for underserved youth in Greensboro NC and surrounding areas. Through strategic partnerships with organizations, community leaders, and businesses, we create programs for the educational growth and personal development of those we serve. Our goal is to empower youth to overcome barriers, achieve academic success, and thrive in their communities, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Everything we do is centered on the premise of making life better for the youth and their families in our community. Every positive encounter, every risky behavior that is diverted and every thoughtful choice made is a testament to the work we do. Every positive outcome for the youth we serve is a positive outcome for us all, and it is with help from caring individuals , community leaders and businesses like yours that we are able to expand our reach and create a lasting impact for our children.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions were key to making the rally a memorable occasion:
– Truliant Federal Credit Union
– Smart Flip
– Red Classic
– Greensboro Coliseum Complex
– Heads Up Barber and Beauty
– Batson-Cook Construction Company
– Modern Infiniti
Your partnership helped us make a lasting impact on the lives of so many young students, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Rick Morton, DC Creighton, Tank Robinson, Kirk Thorpe, Michael McGorda, Jason Cox, Phil Lawson, Jarus Rice, Dwayne Shaw
(not show in photo Grade A Dre, Myles and Crystal)
Heads Up Barber and Beauty was more than just a place for haircuts; it was a hub of community spirit and service. Rick Morton and Dwayne Shaw, along with their team of barber brothers, had cultivated an atmosphere where conversation flowed as freely as the clippers buzzed.
One day, while Rick was deftly shaping a client’s hair, he was approached by none other than Kerry Charles, a Fox 8 News anchor. Kerry, struck by the camaraderie and sense of purpose in the barbershop, proposed an idea to Rick: What if they offered free haircuts to a group of students in need?
Rick, always receptive to opportunities to give back, immediately embraced the idea. And thus, the Big Brother Barber program was born. With the support of Dwayne and their barber brothers, they began offering free haircuts to students, coupled with mentorship and guidance.
The program quickly gained traction, with each event drawing more students and volunteers eager to make a difference. As word spread, so did the impact of the program, touching the lives of countless young individuals in the community.
However, Rick, Dwayne, and their team realized that there was more they could do to support the youth in their community. They saw a need for financial literacy education and resources, recognizing that empowerment went beyond just a fresh haircut.
So, they expanded their efforts, launching the Financial Literacy Program to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they needed to navigate their financial futures confidently.
But they didn’t stop there. They knew that education was key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young people to reach their full potential. And so, they established the Annual Back to School Rally, providing students with essential school supplies and resources to start the academic year off right.
To date, the impact of Heads Up For Our Youth continues to grow, touching the lives of countless young people in Greensboro and beyond. From humble beginnings in a barbershop to a thriving nonprofit organization, Rick, Dwayne, and their team remain committed to uplifting and empowering the youth in their community, one haircut, one lesson, and one school supply at a time.
© 2022 Heads Up For Our Youth All Rights Reserved.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit, Tax I.D. 47-3146377
