SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER
BECAUSE OF YOU, WE DID IT! 
Together, we raised $477,500 to fuel 165 more years of impact.
Thank you for joining us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact, featuring dinner, live entertainment, and inspiring stories of lives changed through the Y.
Cause for Celebration Highlights 2025
Stories of Impact
Girls Flag Football
Anna Anderson started playing YMCA flag football with the boys—and never looked back. She grew up in the program as it gained popularity with girls. Her passion and skill led to a college scholarship.
“Flag football gave me a place to grow, to compete, and to lead. The Y gave me a community that believed in me—and I found my voice…It’s about courage. It’s about opportunity. And it’s about making sure the next girl who dreams of playing knows there’s a place for her,” Anna said.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
Following cancer, Maura found renewed strength and connection through LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, supported by her husband Ricky and Coach Kim. Together, they prove that healing is about both body and spirit.
“Your support in the YMCA is invaluable. I am strong, I survived breast cancer. But I have become stronger thanks to…LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. And that has made all the difference regarding my energy and activities with my children and grandchildren,” Maura said.
Swim Lessons
When their son Tommy was diagnosed with autism, John and Savina Liberto chose to share hope, funding swim lessons at the Y through their nonprofit, FACE (Foundation for Autism Collaboration and Empowerment).
“When Tommy enters the Y, they see a boy who belongs and who deserves to be safe in the water...We’re building a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow, one swim lesson at a time, in a place where neurodiverse children can gain the skills in a place that fosters belonging,” John said.
SPARK Summer Literacy Program
YMCA SPARK (Summer Programs Advancing Reading and Knowledge) helps elementary students build essential literacy skills. Turner School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Dandoy, student Koi, and teacher Zachary Peterson shared how the program helps students not just catch up, but soar. Koi enjoyed building friendships and exploring through field trips.
Together with Dr. Dandoy, she was excited to share with the crowd what SPARK stands for: “Summer Programs Advancing Reading and Knowledge.”
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Kevin Holmes, KSHB 41 News Anchor
Event Emcee
The People Behind the Stories - Live Music by KC Flo
- 360 Video Booth Experience by WeSpin360
- KC Rumble, KC Wolf, & the KC Chiefs Cheerleaders
- Live and Silent Auctions
- Dinner
- Dancing
- Photo Booth by PhotoBus
THANKS TO OUR CO-CHAIRS
Dr. Andrea Hendricks
Dr. Michelle Robin
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
LEGACY BUILDER
$50,000 DONATION
CHAMPION OF CHANGE
$25,000 DONATION
BEACON OF BELONGING
$10,000 DONATION
IMPACT ADVOCATE
$5,000 DONATION
COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNER
$2,500 DONATION
OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER
