Grand Opening Blue Jean Bash 2024

October 24, 2024 –The 7th Annual Blue Jean Bash, Empower, was a memorable evening of celebration as we unveiled our new headquarters!

Over 120 community members gathered with us on a beautiful, sunny fall day to celebrate and empower our teens and our city. This was more than an event—it was a testament to our community’s support and our shared vision for a brighter future.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce joined us and celebrated alongside our community! With inspiring words from Executive Director Dr. Monique Johnston, our Board President Peter Long, Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca, and Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the KCMO Health Department, the day underscored the importance of spaces where youth can thrive. Attendees enjoyed touring our vibrant new facility, designed to be a safe and welcoming home for our teens. It was heartwarming to see the excitement on the faces of our youth, who could finally envision this place as their own.

Event Highlights:                                                                                                                                            

• Over $52,000 raised to support Greater Kansas City youth
• Over 30 original works of Ambassador-produced art were bought by attendees
• 2024 Paige O’Connor Hope, Heart, and Healing Award presented to Ambassador TraShell Meridy
• 2024 Tiffany Poor Lynch Founder’s Scholarship Award presented to Ambassador Aniyah Rowe

Youth Ambassadors is an educational employment program 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.