El Paso, TX – Two of the city’s most visible nonprofit leaders are joining forces to host a new charitable event that promises both laughs and lasting impact. Brooke Underwood, President and CEO of Destination El Paso, and Cathy Gaytan, CEO of the El Paso Child Guidance Center (EPCGC), announced the 2026 EPCGC Roast, a spring‑time fundraiser designed to raise critical resources for mental‑health services that serve children and families across the region.
Why a roast?
The concept blends humor with philanthropy. Attendees will enjoy a light‑hearted roast of well‑known El Paso personalities, with all proceeds directed to the EPCGC. Underwood explained, “We’re excited to create an event that not only entertains but also makes a meaningful difference for children and families throughout our region.” Gaytan added, “The support from this fundraiser helps us provide counseling, crisis intervention, and educational programs to those who need it most.”
What the EPCGC provides
The El Paso Child Guidance Center is the primary provider of mental‑health care for the city’s youth. Its services include individual and family counseling, school‑based programs, crisis response teams, and preventative education aimed at reducing anxiety, depression, and trauma among children. Funding gaps have grown in recent years, making community‑driven support essential to keep these programs fully staffed and accessible.
Event details and how to get involved
While the exact date is still being finalized, the roast is slated for spring 2026. Ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities will open in the coming months. Organizers are encouraging local businesses, civic leaders, and everyday residents to purchase tickets, become sponsors, or donate directly through the EPCGC website. All contributions will be earmarked for expanding counseling capacity, hiring additional licensed therapists, and launching new outreach initiatives in schools.
Community response
Early reactions from El Paso’s business community have been positive. Several chamber‑of‑commerce members have expressed interest in sponsoring tables, citing the importance of mental‑health stability for a productive workforce and thriving families. Parents and educators have also voiced enthusiasm, noting that increased funding could reduce wait times for therapy and broaden the center’s ability to intervene early in crises.
How to support
For more information about the 2026 EPCGC Roast, ticket pricing, sponsorship packages, or to make a direct donation, visit the El Paso Child Guidance Center’s official website at epcgc.org. Community members are urged to spread the word, share the event on social media, and consider volunteering on the planning committee.
The roast represents a creative approach to addressing a pressing need: ensuring that every child in El Paso has access to the mental‑health resources they deserve. By combining local humor with a clear charitable purpose, Underwood, Gaytan, and their partners hope to set a new standard for community‑driven philanthropy.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
