There’s something special about a community coming together, not just to celebrate, but to make a difference.

Tailgate for Kids was built around a simple idea: we can have an incredible time while doing something incredibly meaningful for our children.

On October 17, 2026, as the Florida Gators take on the Texas Longhorns, hundreds of friends, families, business leaders, and community members will come together at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the Third Annual Tailgate for Kids.

But this is about much more than football.

This year, we're proudly supporting Caring & Sharing Learning School, an organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and creating opportunities for children in our community.

Every child deserves to be surrounded by people who believe in their potential. Every child deserves access to an education that challenges them, encourages them, and reminds them that their dreams are possible.

And every one of us has the ability to help make that happen.

Over our first two Tailgate for Kids events, this community came together to raise more than $100,000 for organizations serving local children. What began as a tailgate has become something much bigger, a reminder of what Gainesville can accomplish when businesses, neighbors, families, and friends rally around our kids.

This year, we're doing it again.

Your ticket purchase, sponsorship, auction bid, or donation directly contributes to that mission. And you don't have to attend the event to be part of it. Every contribution, large or small, helps us create an impact that lasts far beyond one Saturday in October.

Because long after the final whistle blows, the work continues.

One game. One community. One purpose.

Let's show our kids what can happen when an entire community shows up for them.

Tailgate for Kids 2026: Gators vs. Texas

Cheer on the Gators. Support our kids. Strengthen our community.

Team Members