The Power of One Person

One of the things I love most about KW Next Gen is that it reminds us that changing the future doesn’t always start with a big moment. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one closing donation, one scholarship… or one person deciding to say yes to making a difference.

That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about this month.

As we wrapped up another incredible Founder’s Day campaign, I was reminded that every dollar raised represents someone who believes the next generation deserves an opportunity to dream bigger, lead better, and build lives of impact.

And this year, our KW family showed up.

Founder’s Day 2026

Founder’s Day was an incredible success, and I couldn’t be more proud of what our community accomplished together.

Collectively, we raised $277,024 through 649 donations, welcomed 71 Founder’s Day Circle members who each invested $1,000 or more, and had 19 individual fundraisers raise more than $71,800 for the mission.

One of the biggest gifts came from the Kay Evans Scholarship Fund, whose incredible $50,000 contribution will directly help fund scholarships and coaching opportunities for young adults pursuing their life missions.

Another highlight was the AI + Social Media Mastery event. More than 200 agents spent the day learning from industry leaders while raising over $35,000 for KW Next Gen. I love that it wasn’t just fundraising. It was agents growing their businesses while investing in someone else’s future.

When you step back and look at the campaign as a whole, it’s proof that our community doesn’t just talk about changing lives. We actually do it.

The Southeast Showed Up

Our region has a lot to celebrate.

The Southeast finished the campaign with:

• 731 donors
• 64 participating Market Centers
• More than $40,800 raised
• #2 fundraising region across all of KW

That’s something every Market Center in our region should be proud of.

Closer to home, Atlanta-Newnan continues to lead the Southeast in total giving, showing what’s possible when generosity becomes part of a Market Center’s culture instead of just a campaign.

Even beyond Founder’s Day, the Southeast continues to make an incredible impact. Year to date we’ve generated more than $40,500 in total gifts, including over $34,000 through closing donations, while also providing $4,050 in scholarships, coaching, and educational opportunities for young adults pursuing their life missions.

The Story Behind the Numbers

The numbers are exciting. But they aren’t my favorite part.

Every donation has a story attached to it.

This month, KW Next Gen shared the story of Iñaki Guerrero, a young man who discovered his passion for real estate while volunteering in underserved communities. His mission is to create affordable housing while building financial literacy and community programs for families who need it most.

Through Quantum Leap coaching and a Fund My Mission Scholarship, barriers were removed that allowed him to continue building toward that vision.

Reading his story reminded me why this organization matters so much.

We aren’t just funding scholarships. We aren’t just paying for coaching.

We’re investing in people who will spend the rest of their lives making an impact in their communities.

Where We Go From Here

Founder’s Day may be over, but our mission isn’t. In fact, I think our biggest opportunity is still ahead of us.

As I’ve traveled throughout the Southeast and talked with agents and leaders, I’ve realized something:

• There are still so many people who have never truly heard the story of KW Next Gen.
• They’ve heard the name.
• They’ve seen the logo.
• But they haven’t heard the stories.
• They don’t yet know the lives that are being changed because someone chose to give $10 at closing.

That’s where we have an opportunity.

Will You Partner With Me?

One person can change a Market Center.

I’m looking for KW Next Gen Champions across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee who are willing to help grow awareness inside their office.

You don’t have to be a Team Leader.

You don’t have to be on the ALC.

You don’t have to have fundraising experience.

You simply have to believe that investing in the next generation matters.

Being a champion could look like:

• Asking for five minutes during a sales meeting to share the mission.
• Helping your Market Center understand how giving through closings works.
• Encouraging agents to become Launchpad members.
• Sharing recipient stories so people can connect generosity with real impact.
• Becoming the person in your office who keeps KW Next Gen top of mind.

Imagine what could happen if every Market Center in the Southeast had just one person committed to sharing this mission.

The ripple effect would be incredible.

I truly believe the Southeast has the opportunity to become the region that sets the standard for grassroots support of KW Next Gen.

Not because we raise the most money. But because every Market Center understands the mission. Because every agent knows they can make a difference. Because every young adult who needs coaching, scholarships, and encouragement has more opportunities available to them because someone in our region chose to care.

If you’d like to become a KW Next Gen Champion for your Market Center, I’d love to connect with you. Together, we can grow awareness, strengthen our region, and help even more young adults step confidently into the future they’re called to build.

Thank you for everything you’re already doing to make the Southeast stronger. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together over the rest of 2026.

Payton Peoples

KW NextGen Southeast Region Ambassador

404-909-9951

payton@peoplesandco.com