October 14th, 2021 – A small group of staunch Youth Ambassadors’ supporters gathered to honor Mayor Sly James and his life of tremendous service to Kansas City and its youth. We enjoyed celebrating our resilient Ambassadors through their spoken word and art. The 4th annual Blue Jean Bash, RESILIENCE, was a tremendous success:

• More than $105,000 raised
• 12 original works of Ambassador-produced art found new homes
• 13 compositions beautifully read by 10 accomplished Ambassadors
• 2021 Paige O’Connor Hope Heart and Healing Award presented to Ms. Analisa Lona

The evening’s program celebrated Mayor Sly James and his life of tremendous service to Kansas City and its youth. Mayor James’ commitment to our community and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education regardless of where they live or their socio-economic background is unparalleled. We were thrilled to be able to honor his unique and important impact on Kansas City and Kansas City youth, a personal mission that is uniquely aligned with that of Youth Ambassadors.

Youth Ambassadors began in 2010 as an innovative collaboration of community partners in the Kansas City metropolitan area who joined forces to implement a state-of-the art, non-profit employment program for underserved youth. Youth Ambassadors is designed to empower underserved teenage youth with important life skills, soft job skills, creative expression, and adult mentors, helping them become future community leaders willing and able to work for positive change.

The sponsors and supporters of this event have generously invested in the youth of Kansas City. Together, we can paint a brighter future for some of Kansas City’s most vulnerable and at-risk youth.