The 11th annual Challenge Your Fashion event on Saturday, January 27, 2018 was filled with fun, fashion and great times. This year's event raised more than $160,000 for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenger program, which helps children and young adults with diverse needs gain strength, confidence, friendship, and more.

Challenge Your Fashion guests enjoyed cocktails and silent auction, dinner, a fashion show, a live auction hosted by the Nigro brothers and an afterparty with live music from Dolewite. Each year, current and former players from local sports teams walk the runway with YMCA Challenger athletes and buddies. Models this year included Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, Ignacio Flores from the Kansas City Comets, Jason Hammel and Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals and many others. Co-emcees Steven St. John from Sports Radio 810 and Belinda Post from 41 Action News hosted the program and fashion show.

This year's co-chairs were Jennifer and Rex Hudler. "Challenger activities have been close to our hearts, as our son Cade has enjoyed being active in Challenger for many years," said Jennifer Hudler. 

During the program, several guests shared how the Challenger program has grown over the years and the impact Challenge Your Fashion has on supporting this growth.

"With the growth of our Challenger sports and social programs we are serving even more individuals with diverse abilities in inclusive Y programs throughout the metro. Our adaptive swim lessons have grown tremendously. And all programs are providing an inclusive environment, from our early education to healthy living programs for all ages," said Michelle Ford.

"Every year, I am so inspired by the athletes and everything that is possible when we come together to support them through this event," said Jeremy Gaskill, member of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Board of Directors, and Regional President of the Central Region for Humana.

"What I love about the Y is that all are welcome, and we embrace each other’s differences. The YMCA Challenger program is a great example of that - coming together to celebrate what makes us unique. And when everyone has a chance to participate, it helps make all of us stronger," said David Byrd, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

Adaptive program director Raegan Schurr discussed the collaboration between Challenger and the Excelsior Springs School District, which began five years ago. Several of the models were from the Excelsior Springs program. 

Thanks to our guests, volunteers and event sponsors for making this year's event such a success. 

Visit the Challenge Your Fashion photo album to see more images from the event. Follow the Challenge Your Fashion Facebook page for updates on the next event!