The stars were shining bright and the sneakers were on fire! Change Our Future hosted its third annual Sneaker Ball Jun 22, 2023 at Vie by Cescaphe. This black-tie, upscale gala was full of local celebs such as Patty Jackson from WDAS, Philly sports legends, such as Rasheed Wallace, as well as former and current Philadelphia Eagles players such as Malcolm Jenkins and Jason Kelce. Everyone was sporting their best kicks all in the name of philanthropy.
A Foundation Of Promise
The Sneaker Ball is a fundraiser initiative a part of the Change Our Future Foundation.
Change Our Future is a non-profit organization founded by former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl LII Champion Rodney McLeod and wife, Erika McLeod.
The mission of the organization is to remove barriers and labels placed on underserved communities. Indeed, this is done by empowering people through education, advocacy and awareness.
A Party With A Purpose
“Our annual sneaker ball fundraiser is something we look forward to each year, says Erika McLeod, founder of Change Our Future. “It allows us to showcase who we are, what we have done, and the communities we have served over the years. It’s a special time to party for a purpose and not only continue but expand our foundation’s mission.”
“We are proud of the foundation’s significant growth over the past three years,” says Rodney McLeod, founder of Change Our Future. “Our goal to expand the foundation’s presence and its programs remain at the forefront. We rely greatly on our supporters to help advance the kind of change we look to see in the communities we serve.”
Significantly, last year, Change Our Future’s 2nd Annual Sneaker Ball raised over $150,000. More than 200 sneakers and school supplies were donated to the Blue Babes Foundation and the Philadelphia Police Department. Indeed, last Thursday’s event followed in the same successful path as years prior.
A Black-Tie Affair
Undoubtedly the third annual Sneaker Ball was an evening of luxury, fine dining, and dancing. The gala consisted of not only a live and silent auction, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and a cigar bar. But also, a VIP lounge, and premium top-shelf celebratory cocktails. Lastly, attendees feasted upon a Taste of Philadelphia experience and more!
Additionally, awards were presented to game changers in their respective fields. The following recipients of the 2023 Game Changer Award included NFL Veteran, Activist and Entrepreneur Malcom Jenkins, Dr. David E. Thomas, Dr. Melanie Jackson, Actress and Singer Sherly Lee Ralph, and Senator Vincent Hughes.
Get Involved
Change Our Future hosts events throughout the year. The purpose and cause of the organization keeps going all year long and you too can get involved. Find out more about the exciting programs that are a part of Change Our Future including the youth football camp, 12 days of Christmas, Next Man Up, & more by visiting their official website here.