EVENTS – NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Youth take on the Traditions Run

Hundreds of youth runners took on the hills, sand and rugged terrain at this year’s NB3 Foundation Traditions Run at Black Mesa Casino in San Felipe Pueblo. Families, coaches and teammates cheered them on as they made their way through the challenging high-desert course.

The event featured a USATF-sanctioned meet for local club teams, followed by the NB3FIT Cross Country League race to close out the league’s season.

Throughout the season, more than 100 students competed each week from six schools: Hemish Immersion School, Placitas Elementary, Algodones Elementary, San Ildefonso Day School, Santo Domingo Schools and San Felipe Pueblo School. The league helps meet a need for more elementary school sports, giving students a chance to run, compete and represent their schools. NB3FIT hopes to bring more schools into the league next year and add races as participation grows.

Thank you to the runners, families, schools, coaches and volunteers who made the event and league season possible. We were glad to celebrate the season with you!

October 30, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

New Mexico Grande Slam honors Notah, raises funds for Native youth

NB3 Foundation’s annual Notah Begay III New Mexico Grande Slam brought sponsors, golfers and community partners together Oct. 19-20, raising funds to support the foundation’s work across New Mexico. Northern Youth Project, this year’s nonprofit partner, will receive a portion of the proceeds.

The two-day event also celebrated founder Notah Begay III’s recognition as the 2026 Payne Stewart Award recipient, honoring his commitment to service and his role as an advocate and inspiration for Native youth and communities far beyond the golf course.

The gathering began with a dinner Oct. 19, where guests celebrated Begay’s recognition and the collective support behind NB3 Foundation’s mission. Participants returned Oct. 20 for a day of golf at Santa Ana Golf Club.

Proceeds from the New Mexico Grande Slam will help provide opportunities for Native youth to be active, build healthy habits and pursue their goals. A portion will also benefit Northern Youth Project, this year’s nonprofit partner. Founded by teens in 2009, the organization offers free, year-round art, agriculture and leadership programs for rural northern New Mexico youth ages 12 to 21, helping them develop skills and strengthen connections to their communities, culture and environment.

In a separate exciting presentation, Notah presented a $100,000 check to the Albuquerque Community Foundation. As the Payne Stewart Award recipient, he received $300,000 to direct to nonprofit organizations of his choice, designating $200,000 for NB3 Foundation and $100,000 for the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

NB3 Foundation extends a special thank-you to Dickson Golf and Santa Ana Golf Club, the event’s official sponsors. Their continued generosity, partnership and support for Notah’s vision have been integral to moving the foundation’s work forward.

The foundation thanks the sponsors, golfers, dinner guests, donors and volunteers whose contributions made the event possible. Their support helped close out the fall gathering and will sustain the foundation’s work with youth and families across New Mexico.

October 29, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT spring celebration highlights growth and community impact

On Sunday, April 26 NB3 Foundation brought together youth and families from across its spring programs for a gathering focused on connection, reflection and community. Athletes from soccer, golf, tennis, track and basketball gathered to share a meal, play together and celebrate a season defined by growth and teamwork. This spring included participation across programs, with 75 youth in soccer, 57 in golf, 24 in competitive basketball teams, 14 in tennis and 120 in track and field.

The gathering also served as an opportunity for the Evaluation and Research Department to administer knowledge kits to youth and caregivers. Caregivers and youth were asked about their experiences in the program and given the opportunity to share feedback and comments. The team appreciated the opportunity to connect with families, build relationships and share how their input helps inform and improve experiences for youth. Insights gathered will help assess the season and identify ways to better meet the needs of youth and families in future programming.

Participants also engaged in a cultural hoop dance activity led by Benjamin Shendo of Indigenous Connection 1696, providing a meaningful opportunity to connect movement, and culture.

Thank you for making this our largest gathering of the year so far. It was powerful to see families and staff come together, and we look forward to continuing to create more opportunities for family-centered activities across our programs.

April 30, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Inaugural NB3 Foundation Topgolf Tournament

On March 22, NB3 Foundation kicked off its first fundraising event of the year with the inaugural Topgolf Tournament in Albuquerque.

This new spring fundraiser brought together community partners, supporters and friends of the organization for an afternoon of connection and friendly competition, all in support of Native youth. With support from event sponsor Pueblo of Sandia and participating teams, the event raised more than $4,000 for NB3 Foundation youth programs.

The event marks an important step in diversifying fundraising efforts and creating new ways for supporters to engage with our work. We look forward to growing this event in 2027 and continuing to expand opportunities that support Native youth and communities.

Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported our mission.

March 26, 2026/by NB3 Foundation