Some legacies are built through titles or accomplishments. Other’s are built through kindness, generosity, and the way someone makes people feel.
The Annual Wallace L. Umstead Legacy Cookout is one of those legacies.
This event was my father Wallace “Wally” Umstead’s idea. He believed our seniors and veterans deserved to be celebrated, appreciated, and surrounded by community. He understood that sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply showing up, sharing a meal, and reminding someone that they matter.
After his passing, I made a promise to continue what he started.
Each year, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation gathers in Roxboro, NC to honor that promise. We bring together neighbors, volunteers, community partners, seniors, veterans, and families for an afternoon filled with laughter, music and meaningful connection.
This cookout is more than an event. It is a reminder that a single idea rooted in compassion can continue changing lives for years to come.
As Wallace’s daughter it is one of my greatest honors to carry his vision forward. Every plate served, every smile shared, and every conversation reminds me that his legacy is still making an impact.
We invite our community of volunteers to join us as we celebrate the people who have given us so much. Whether you volunteer with us, partner with us, or simply come to enjoy the day, you become a part of a legacy built on service, gratitude and love.
While my father may have planted the seed, together we are helping it grow.
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Wallace L. Umstead Legacy Cookout as we continue celebrating our incredible seniors and veterans, one meaningful moment at a time.
Interested in Partnering with us? Send us an email. We would love to have you be a part of this incredible day.
But one thing should never be different: access to the opportunity to succeed.
Today, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation is excited to introduce the MGB ACCESS LAB and announce our new partnership with Grow with Google, a program committed to helping people build the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
For us, this partnership is about more than technology. It is about access.
It is about creating pathways for people who may have the ambition, talent, and determination to move forward, but may not always have access to the tools, training, or resources needed to take that next step.
Through this partnership, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, MGB ACCESS LAB will be able to connect learners with opportunities to develop in-demand digital skills, explore career pathways, and build greater confidence in navigating an increasingly digital world.
We are especially excited about the opportunity to provide scholarships and support to individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and invest in their future.
Our goal is not simply to give someone access to a course.
Our goal is to help them finish what they started.
That means creating a supportive experience that encourages learners to stay engaged, complete their coursework, pass their quizzes, and walk away with skills they can use beyond the classroom.
Because access without support is only part of the equation.
We want to help close the gap between opportunity and outcomes.
This partnership also aligns deeply with our AI for the Culture Movement, our commitment to increasing access to technology, digital literacy, and pathways to innovation careers in communities that have historically been overlooked or underserved.
The future is changing quickly.
Technology is changing how we work, how we learn, how businesses operate, and how we create opportunities for ourselves and our communities.
Everyone deserves a chance to be part of that future.
Whether someone is looking to build new skills, strengthen their resume, explore a new career path, or simply gain the confidence to say, “Maybe I can do this,” we want to help make that next step possible.
This is what community impact looks like to us.
It is feeding our neighbors.
It is supporting families.
It is creating opportunities for professional development.
It is investing in people.
And now, it is helping more individuals gain the digital skills they need to move forward.
We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Grow with Google and excited about what we can build together.
Because when we expand access, we expand possibilities.
And when we invest in people, the impact does not stop with one person.
It creates a ripple effect.
Success Looks Different. Access Shouldn’t.
This is just the beginning.
Follow the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation MGB ACCESS LAB for upcoming scholarship opportunities, learning opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Together, let’s make sure more people have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the digital future.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that Success looks different for everyone. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one connection, or one person who believes in you to change the direction of a life.
We are excited to bring our Success Looks Different For Everyone Fireside Chat Series back to the community with this special workshop: The Career Remix.
This interactive experience will introduce residents at a local shelter to a variety of career paths through real stories from professionals who have build successful careers in different industries. From technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond, our goal is simple: expand what is possible.
Every speaker will share their journey, the lessons they have learned, and practical advice that participants can use as they begin writing the next chapter of their own stories.
We’re Looking for 5 Volunteer Speakers
Do you have a career journey that could inspire someone else?
We’re looking for five professionals who are willing to volunteer approximately one hour of their time to participate in this meaningful event. You don’t need to have a perfect story. You simply need a willingness to share your experience, answer questions, and encourage someone who may be searching for a new beginning.
If you have ever wanted to make a difference by sharing your career journey, this is your opportunity.
Together we can remind our community that success isn’t one size fits all and neither is the path getting there.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer speaker for The Career Remix on August 13, at 6 pm (5:45 pm arrival requested, address to location will be shared via email), we would love to hear from you. Send us an email at mgbfoundation.org@gmail.com
Join us as we continue creating opportunities, building confidence, and proving that Success Looks Different.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, our mission has always been rooted in creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives. Through service projects, hunger relief initiatives, educational programming, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, we have remained committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be.
Today, we are proud to announce the addition of our fifth organizational goal:
AI for the Culture
As technology continues to transform the way we live, work, learn, and build businesses, we recognize that access to emerging technologies is becoming increasingly important. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is a present-day reality that is reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and changing how information is accessed and utilized.
Unfortunately, not everyone is benefiting equally from this technological shift.
Many underserved communities continue to face barriers to technology access, digital literacy, and exposure to the tools that are shaping the future. Without intentional efforts to close these gaps, the divide between those who understand and leverage AI and those who do not will continue to grow.
That is why we created AI for the Culture.
Why AI for the Culture Matters
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that innovation should be inclusive. We believe that opportunity should not be limited by zip code, income level, educational background, or access to resources.
AI for the Culture was inspired by the passion of our founder, Akeeya Umstead, who has long advocated for creating opportunities that empower people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
This initiative is designed to help individuals, families, students, entrepreneurs, and community organizations gain greater awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on everyday life.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind as technology continues to evolve.
What We Hope to Build
As AI for the Culture develops, we envision programming that includes:
• AI literacy and awareness workshops
• Community education events
• Technology exposure opportunities for youth
• AI readiness resources for adults and job seekers
• Small business and entrepreneur-focused training
• Strategic partnerships with educators, technology professionals, and community organizations
• Conversations about the ethical and responsible use of AI
While this initiative is still in its early stages, the vision is clear. We want to create accessible pathways for learning and engagement that help communities understand not only what AI is, but how it can be used as a tool for growth, innovation, and opportunity.
Collaboration Will Be Key
The success of AI for the Culture will require collaboration across sectors.
In the coming months, we will be inviting educators, technology professionals, nonprofits, community leaders, corporations, sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders to join us in shaping this initiative.
The challenges facing underserved communities cannot be solved alone, and we believe meaningful partnerships will be essential to creating lasting impact.
Investing in the Future
As we build AI for the Culture, fundraising will play a critical role in bringing this vision to life.
Community support will help us develop programming, provide educational resources, create learning opportunities, and expand our reach to those who can benefit most from increased access to technology and AI education.
Every contribution, partnership, volunteer effort, and shared connection helps move us closer to a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.
Looking Ahead
The addition of AI for the Culture represents more than a new goal for our organization. It represents a commitment to preparing communities for the future while ensuring that access to opportunity remains equitable and inclusive.
Technology will continue to evolve. The question is whether everyone will have the opportunity to evolve with it.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believesuccess looks different for everyone.
Access shouldn’t.
More information about AI for the Culture, upcoming collaborations, and opportunities to get involved will be announced soon.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that success doesn’t come in one shape, size, or story. For some, it looks like landing a new job. For others, it’s finding confidence, learning a new skill, or simply feeling supported in a room full of people who understand.
That belief is what inspired Success Looks Different for Everyone, and in 2026, we’re excited to host our 3rd edition of this growing community experience.
Why This Year Is Special
Each year, our focus continues to evolve based on what our community needs most. In 2026, we’re deepening our Community theme while expanding the experience with:
Guest speakers who bring real stories, not just highlight reels
Skills workshops designed to be practical, empowering, and immediately useful
Connection spaces where honest conversations and meaningful relationships can grow
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about showing up as you are and walking away with tools, encouragement, and a stronger sense of belonging.
A Safe Space for Participants
To protect the experience and privacy of our participants, event sign-up details and the location will remain private. This allows us to create a focused, supportive environment where people can feel comfortable being open, learning, and connecting without pressure.
If you are selected to participate, all necessary details will be shared directly with you.
Want to Volunteer With Us?
Community doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built by people who care.
If you’re interested in volunteering for our workshop series, we’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re a speaker, facilitator, mentor, or someone who simply wants to help create meaningful experiences, there’s a place for you in this work.
Reach out to us directly to learn how you can get involved and support this year’s series.
Let’s Redefine Success Together
We’re proud to continue creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to define success on their own terms.
In 2026, we’re not just hosting an event — we’re strengthening a community. And we can’t wait to build it with you.
Because success looks different for everyone, and every version deserves to be celebrated!
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation held our Annual Day of Service in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. What began seven years ago as a simple mission to fight food insecurity has grown into one of our most impactful community traditions, and this year’s event was nothing short of incredible.
We began the morning bright and early by serving a warm and hearty breakfast to 248 of our unhoused neighbors. Plates were filled with turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, breakfast cakes, fresh fruit, juice, and hot coffee. Every interaction reminded us of why this work matters. A good meal offers more that nourishment. It offers comfort, dignity, and a moment of connection.
Once breakfast wrapped up, our volunteers shifted into the next phase of service. Together, we prepared more than 1,000 sandwiches to be delivered in lunch bags at Urban Ministries of Durham. Seeing our community come together with such focus, compassion, and energy was powerful. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds filled the room with a shared purpose: to help our neighbors feel seen and supported.
This annual event would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bimbo Bakeries, Whole Foods, and Food Lion Feeds for contributing resources that helped us feed so many. We are equally grateful for every donor and every volunteer who showed up ready to serve. Your presence made a real and lasting difference.
Seven years later, our mission remains the same: to fight the food insecurity with consistency, heart, and community partnership. We are proud of the work we have accomplished, and even more excited about the work ahead.
We invite you to mark your calendars. Our next Day of Service will be held on December 4, 2026. We welcome volunteers, donors, and partners who want to stand with us to uplift our neighbors.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will keep transforming lives, one act of service at a time.
Giving is not just one day for us. It is our lifestyle.
At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we spend the entire year pouring love into our community. This year we not only fed our local neighbors we even made an impact globally and were able to support a project to feed youth in the Philippines. We also completed another round of our Success Looks Different Fireside Chat- Workshop skill development series for a local homeless shelter, continued our support of Seniors and Veterans with our annual cookout, and created or assisted with meaningful service projects that remind people that compassion is always in season.
Every project that we complete is powered by people who believe in service and want to make an impact that lasts beyond a moment. Your generosity helps us provide meals, build supply kits, support families, and continue creating experiences that uplift our communities in Durham, Roxboro, and beyond.
If you would like to support our mission, here are ways to give:
Make a donation to help us continue feeding and supporting our neighbors. DONATE TODAY!
Volunteer at one of our upcoming service events.
Sponsor a project through your business, organization, or group.
Share our Mission with someone who believes in community care.
Thank you for standing with us this year. With your support we will keep showing up, keep serving, and keep spreading love far beyond the calendar.
Giving is who we are. And we are just getting started.
As the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and count our blessings. For the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, it’s also a time to extend those blessings to others.
This year, we’re proud to launch our Thanksgiving Family Sponsorship Program with a goal to adopt 5 families in need. To achieve this goal we are working with the Triangle Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Center in conjunction with the local DSS. Each family will receive groceries and essentials to prepare a warm Thanksgiving meal, along with the comfort of knowing their community cares.
Many families face tough choices during the holidays — between bills and food, between wants and needs. Our mission is to make sure gratitude fills their homes just as much as good food fills their tables.
We’re calling on our friends, partners, and supporters to join us in this effort. You can:
Sponsor a family to cover their full Thanksgiving meal
Donate any amount to help us reach our goal
Share our mission with others who may want to give
When we give together, we create ripples of hope that last far beyond one meal.
Help us remind these families that community is stronger when we show up for one another.
The Annual Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout was a true celebration of community, joy, and legacy. On this special day, our team, volunteers, and partners came together to honor seniors and veterans in memory of our founder’s late father, Wallace Umstead. The atmosphere was filled with love, music, laughter, and heartfelt moments that will not be forgotten.
Special Guests and Honors
We were honored to welcome the Mayor of Roxboro, who brought a special acknowledgement from her office and the City of Roxboro. In addition, we received a touching letter from Governor Josh Stein, acknowledging the event and the importance of uplifting seniors and veterans in our communities. We also welcomed a State House of Representatives Member and the new Executive Director of the facility, making the day even more memorable.
Residents’ Voices and Legacy Moments
The residents’ gratitude was the highlight of the day. Some of the newer residents expressed how thankful they were for the celebration, while others who had known Wallace Umstead shared private conversations about how deeply they miss him. One resident reminded us of the reality that seniors are often forgotten. Our response was simple but heartfelt: you are not forgotten, and you are still a shining light in this world.
Volunteers and Community Spirit
Our volunteer squad, made up of family and friends, was truly top notch. Their dedication and energy kept the event running smoothly and ensured that every resident felt valued. Our DJ kept the music flowing and the smiles wide, making the celebration feel like a true family gathering.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. AuthoraCare Collective went above and beyond, not only providing immense support but also donating thoughtful door prizes for both residents and staff. Roxboro Savings Bank and UTZ Snacks also played a significant role in helping us create such a joyful and memorable event. We are so grateful for their commitment to supporting seniors and veterans.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout is more than just an event — it is a reminder of the importance of honoring our seniors and veterans, keeping their stories alive, and making sure they always feel valued. We are proud to continue this tradition in memory of Wallace Umstead, whose legacy of love, service, and community shines through every smile and every word of gratitude shared.
At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we remain committed to uplifting and serving our community, one project at a time. The cookout is a reflection of what happens when love, service, and partnership come together to create impact.
We’re proud to share some exciting news from the heart of our organization—our founder, Akeeya Umstead, has been honored with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, one of the highest recognitions for volunteerism in North Carolina.
Nominated by Families Moving Forward and volunteers from the MGB Foundation, presented by Triangle Nonprofit Volunteer Leadership Center for Durham County, this award acknowledges individuals who make significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Akeeya’s work through Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation has long reflected a deep commitment to accessible, high-impact community service: from feeding the unhoused to organizing supply drives and educational workshops.
“This recognition is bigger than me,” Akeeya shared. “It’s about what happens when people show up for each other with purpose and heart. I’m so grateful to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who makes this work possible. I am also thankful for my late parents that instilled volunteerism in me”
Although she’s still working toward receiving the prestigious medallion designation, this milestone highlights the impact MGB continues to make across Durham, Roxboro, and beyond.
We hope this moment inspires others to step into service—whether for a day or a season—and join us in building stronger, more connected communities.
Stay connected with us as we continue to grow and serve.
MGB Foundation (Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation) 