Philanthropy is often a pursuit of the heart, shaped by personal experiences and deep-seated passions. For Kayla McMains, a dynamic force in the Coastal Bend’s charity landscape, this journey began in a profoundly personal way.
It was the Cattle Barons Ball, co-chaired with her husband, that first ignited her love for fundraising and nonprofit work. “It was a lot of work, but so rewarding,” she recalled. “I knew I didn’t want to stop there.” That initial spark quickly evolved into a blazing commitment to multiple causes, making McMains a cornerstone of local charitable efforts.
Today, McMains’ calendar is a testament to her dedication. She remains an influential figure at the Art Museum of South Texas, serving as a trustee and a key member of the 2024 ArtBall committee. Her past role as co-chair for the museum’s summer fundraiser, Artrageous, continues to showcase her deep love for the arts.
Alongside this, McMains lends her efforts to the American Cancer Society, helping to organize its annual couture-style show, and is a driving force behind the Circle of Rosé, a new initiative for the American Heart Association.
But perhaps the most touching aspect of her philanthropic work is her involvement with the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of South Texas, where she serves on the Development and Capital Campaign committees. The House holds a special place in McMains’ heart following a personal tragedy in 2023.
“We lost our son when I was nearly 30 weeks pregnant,” she said. “That experience led me to RMH.” The Ronald McDonald House provides a sanctuary for families who need to travel for their children’s medical care. For McMains, it’s a place that allows families to focus solely on their child’s recovery without the added stress of finding a place to stay or preparing meals.
“The House is completely free and open to any family in need,” she explained. “There’s always a wait list, which is why our current capital campaign aims to build a larger facility—what we’re calling the ‘legacy build.’”
The House currently has space to serve 25 families, a number that will nearly double with the new construction of a five-story facility for the nonprofit. In addition to serving more families in need, the new 48,000-square-foot building will include a teen zone, an outdoor kitchen area and a rooftop garden—all in service of helping families to feel a little more at home during unimaginably difficult times. With a fundraising goal of $20 million, this initiative is a testament to McMains’ commitment to expanding the support network for families during their most vulnerable times.
McMains’ dedication is fueled by a genuine desire to make a difference, and it’s evident in every aspect of her work. As president of the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, she helps organize multiple fundraisers throughout the year, and her involvement with the Texas Bar Foundation further underscores her commitment to advancing legal aid and justice.
Her personal life and professional commitments—running her own law practice and being a busy mom and wife—are seamlessly integrated into her philanthropic endeavors. “I live and die by my calendar,” she laughed. “Balancing everything is challenging, but it’s all worth it.”
Her husband’s support has been crucial in this balancing act, enabling her to dedicate time to these causes. “He’s incredibly supportive,” McMains said. “Without his help, managing both my family and my volunteer work would be impossible.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her philanthropy is the immediate effect she sees. “After spending a few hours at RMH, anything you thought was a problem suddenly seems small,” she reflected. “It’s an incredibly humbling experience.”
This perspective not only fuels her ongoing commitment but also serves as a lesson she hopes to pass on to her daughter—a legacy of giving back and making a difference in people’s lives.
In addition to her direct involvement with various organizations, McMains’ law practice also reflects her commitment to service. She has long been an advocate for indigent defense, accepting court appointments to represent individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Though she has recently scaled back to focus on misdemeanors, her dedication to ensuring fair representation remains unwavering. “Indigent defense is a cornerstone of my work,” she said. “It’s crucial to me to provide legal aid to those who need it most.”
Her philanthropic work is confirmation of the power of community and the difference one person can make. Her involvement spans a wide array of causes, from health and wellness to the arts and legal aid. Each organization she supports is important to her for different reasons, but RMH holds a particularly profound significance. “It’s a place where families can find solace during their most difficult times,” McMains said. “I’m so proud to be part of a team that supports such a vital resource.”
Despite her numerous commitments, McMains’ future plans include a period of slowing down after fulfilling her current obligations. “I want to focus more on RMH,” she said. “It’s a cause that means so much to me, and I want to give it the attention it deserves.”
Her dedication to philanthropy and community service is a shining example of how personal experiences can inspire profound acts of kindness and generosity. As McMains continues to balance her roles as a mother, wife and legal professional, her influence on the Coastal Bend’s charitable landscape remains significant. Her story is one of resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
