Rhythm & Brews Brings the House Down in Waco

Waco showed up ready to sing, cheer and have a seriously good time at the 2026 Rhythm & Brews.

United Way of Waco-McLennan County brought the community together at The Backyard for a night celebrating our Workplace Campaign partners before turning the stage over to an unforgettable karaoke showdown.

From big vocals and even bigger outfits to audience props, stage surprises and plenty of singing along, the night had no shortage of personality.

Celebrating Our Workplace Campaign Partners

Before the performances began, United Way recognized organizations that went above and beyond during the 2025-2026 Workplace Campaign.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners:

Most Enthusiastic Newcomer New Campaign: Southstate Bank
Special Event Superstars: Atmos Energy
Greatest Increase in Total Campaign by $: Atmos Energy
Greatest Increase in Total Campaign by %: American Amicable Life Insurance Company of Texas
Highest Average Donation Per Employee: Central National Bank
Largest Campaign Small Employer: QuikTrip
Largest Campaign Medium Employer: Holt Cat Waco
Largest Campaign Large Employer: Texas Farm Bureau

The Top 10 Workplace Campaigns were:

#10 QuikTrip
#9 Texas Life Insurance Company
#8 City of Waco
#7 Baylor University
#6 Extraco Banks, Waco
#5 Holt Cat Waco
#4 Caterpillar
#3 HEB Food Stores
#2 Atmos Energy
#1 Texas Farm Bureau

Thank you to every workplace, donor and campaign team that helped make this year’s campaign possible.

And the Rhythm & Brews Winners Are…

Once the microphones came out, the performers brought the energy.

🏆 People’s Choice Award: Amy Akins
🏆 Entertainer of the Year: Catherine Ballas
🏆 Vocal Performance of the Year: Fernando Arroyo & Kristen Padilla

Congratulations to our winners and every performer who took the stage. And thank you to everyone who cheered, voted and helped make Rhythm & Brews such a fun night.