No Halo News · Sourced development
Big Buddy executive director says funding losses pushed the charity close to missing payroll
Big Buddy Program Executive Director Gaylynne Mack told WAFB that the Baton Rouge youth charity lost more than $600,000 in workforce-development funding during 2026 and was also waiting for committed funds and grant decisions. A weather-affected fundraiser produced less than expected. Mack said the accumulated setbacks nearly prevented the organization from making payroll and threatened after-school programs serving more than 400 children. A recent $75,000 donation provided limited relief.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
Near-payroll failure is a serious liquidity signal. Disruption could affect hundreds of children receiving after-school, mentoring and workforce-development services, while the charity’s reliance on pending grants and emergency donations creates continuing uncertainty.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
The funding losses, payroll risk and service figures were stated by Executive Director Gaylynne Mack and reported by WAFB. Participants independently described educational, employment and mentoring benefits they received from the program.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not independently audited the reported $600,000 funding loss, established the charity’s present cash runway or determined whether additional committed funds and grants will arrive in time to prevent service cuts.
Right of reply
Organization response
Mack publicly acknowledged the financial emergency, said a $75,000 donation had provided some relief and announced plans for a legacy campaign asking former participants and other supporters to help sustain the organization.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Financial Distress. Current state: Open. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published October 22, 2026 · Last verified October 23, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.