The 12th annual Challenge Your Fashion event on Saturday, January 26, 2019 was filled with fun, fashion and great times. This great night for a great cause benefits the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s Challenger program, which helps children and young adults with diverse abilities 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, Mizzou alums Martin Ricker and Jarrett Sutton, K-State and NFL veteran Nick Leckey, Kansas City Royals players Brian Goodwin and Brad Keller and many others. Co-emcees Steven St. John from Sports Radio 810 and Rex Hudler from the Royals broadcast team hosted the program and fashion show. Rex and his wife Jennifer also served as co-chairs for this year's event.
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.
"When everyone has a chance to participate, it helps make all of us stronger," said Michelle Ford, Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. "And it’s not just about sports. 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."
"I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of Challenge Your Fashion event for more than a decade and it continues to inspire me each year," 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 all of these programs show--and what this event and the Challenger program demonstrate so well--is that ALL are welcome at the Y, and people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and reach their potential at the Y" said David Byrd, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.
"To see the way everyone comes together to help our athletes build confidence, learn new skills, and form friendships is truly inspiring," said Raegan Schurr, Adaptive Program Director.
Amy and Jason Croghan, parents of Challenger athlete and Challenge Your Fashion model Logan, talked about how much the Challenger program meant to not only their son, but also their whole family.
Thanks to our guests, volunteers and event sponsors for making this year's event such a success.
Take a look at our Google Photos gallery for event photos.
Follow the Challenge Your Fashion Facebook page for photos from this year's event and updates on the next event!
