Backyard Ball – Honoring Austin's Finest is the premier annual fundraising gala hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Central Texas Chapter's young professionals group, Tomorrow's Leaders. Each year, the Austin community gathers with one shared goal: to end cystic fibrosis.

The evening features elevated food stations, drinks, live music, and a celebration of the Austin's Finest Honorees — outstanding leaders nominated for their exemplary community involvement and business excellence in the fight to treat and end CF.

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 7:00 PM
Venue: Springdale Station — Austin, TX
Website: www.backyardball.org

The 9th Annual Backyard Ball celebrates our 2026 Austin's Finest Honorees and crowns the campaign winner for the year.

The CFF Central Texas Chapter hosts four signature events throughout 2026:

Five tiers are available to match any company's goals and budget:

Both the Presenting Sponsor and Premier Partner tiers include a private pre-event VIP Reception.

The Presenting Sponsor is exclusive — limited to one company — and is the highest-visibility tier available.

Employee Engagement: 16 tickets with two reserved VIP tables, private pre-event VIP Reception, a co-created employee engagement opportunity held within 6 months of the event, and the ability to select an employee as an Austin's Finest Nominee.

Brand Visibility: The event is presented by your company name, logo on the Backyard Ball event webpage, custom sponsorship activation (bar, auction, photo booth, décor, activities, etc.), CFF-approved branded swag distribution, company logo on chapter event emails and event signage, logo and homepage link in the post-event Thank You email, social media recognition with logo, and the event logo for co-branded promotion (with CFF approval).

Brand Storytelling: Opportunity to speak during the event program, spotlight in the chapter campaign email, verbal recognition, spotlight video posted to chapter social media (up to 2 min, CFF-reviewed), and a personalized thank-you message for company-wide distribution.

Employee Engagement: 10 tickets with two reserved VIP tables and a private pre-event VIP Reception.

Brand Visibility: Custom sponsorship activation (your choice of area — bar, auction, photo booth, décor, activity sponsor, etc.), CFF-approved branded swag distribution, logo on chapter event emails and event signage, logo and homepage link in the post-event Thank You Sponsor email, and recognition on chapter social media with company logo.

Brand Storytelling: Verbal recognition during the event program, company spotlight in the chapter campaign email, and a personalized thank-you message suitable for company-wide distribution.

Community Champion ($2,500): 8 tickets with reserved table seating, custom sponsorship activation, CFF-approved branded swag distribution, company logo on chapter emails and event signage, logo in the post-event Thank You email, verbal recognition during the program, and recognition on chapter social media.

Care and Share ($1,000): 4 tickets with reserved cocktail table, CFF-approved branded swag distribution, company name on chapter event emails and event signage, logo and homepage link in the post-event Thank You email, verbal recognition during the program, and recognition on chapter social media.

The Friend of the Foundation tier includes 4 Backyard Ball tickets with a reserved cocktail table, company name on event sponsor signage, company logo and homepage link in the post-event Thank You Sponsor email, and your company recognized by name on the chapter's social media page. Of the $500, $320 is tax-deductible.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax-deductible amounts by level:

• Presenting Sponsor $10,000 → $9,280 deductible
• Premier Partner $5,000 → $4,550 deductible
• Community Champion $2,500 → $2,140 deductible
• Care and Share $1,000 → $820 deductible
• Friend of the Foundation $500 → $320 deductible

The non-deductible portion reflects the fair market value of benefits received (tickets, VIP reception, etc.). Please consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Payment options via the 2026 Sponsorship Form include:

• Check — payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Invoice — request an invoice from the chapter
• Credit card — company or personal, all major cards accepted
• Phone payment — call 512-338-1744 directly

Even without a formal sponsorship, companies can get meaningfully involved:

• Organize a company walk team at Great Strides
• Volunteer with coworkers or your department at an event
• Donate a dessert or auction item / experience
• Collaborate on a custom brand activation
• Provide a branded item for distribution at an event
• Host a committee planning meeting at your location
• Nominate an employee as an Austin's Finest honoree
• Host a lunch and learn at your office
• Initiate a matching gift campaign at your workplace
• Participate in a Round Up at the Register or Pin-Up campaign
• Facilitate introductions to other potential corporate partners

Engage Your Employees: Inspire teams around a meaningful cause, create leadership experiences through volunteerism, and build a culture of generosity.

Join a Winning Team: Showcase your brand's commitment to innovation, impact, and community. Gain recognition at signature CFF events and align with the world's leader in cystic fibrosis research, care, and support.

Power Breakthroughs: Fuel groundbreaking CF research, support personalized care, and help make life-changing therapies possible for the 40,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis today.

Nationally, CFF reaches 14.2K weekly web visitors, 221K email subscribers, and 600K annual event participants. Locally, the Central Texas Chapter reaches a community of 10,000.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease caused by a defective gene that triggers a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, this mucus clogs airways and traps bacteria, leading to recurring infections, extensive lung damage, and respiratory failure. People with CF often take dozens of pills per day just to stay healthy — and there is currently no cure.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives — by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

CFF is leading bold, cutting-edge genetic research — its best shot at a cure that works for everyone with CF — while also conducting research to address related health complications. Learn more at www.cff.org.

Reach out to the CFF Central Texas Chapter directly:

• Phone: 512-338-1744
• Email: central-tx@cff.org
• Mail: 3316 Bee Caves Rd., Ste A-1, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
• Chapter site: cff.org/chapters/central-texas-chapter

A chapter team member will help you select the right tier and coordinate all details for your company's involvement.

Yes. The 2026 Sponsorship Form includes a general donation option for those who cannot commit to a formal tier. You can also contribute through in-kind support — donating auction items, experiences, branded goods, or volunteering — without a financial sponsorship commitment.

Email central-tx@cff.org to discuss the best option for your company.