Blue Jean Bash: Elevate

October 8, 2026 – The 9th Annual Blue Jean Bash brought together more than 80 supporters, alumni, partners, and community members for an evening centered on this year’s theme, Elevating Youth Voices.

Guests spent the night connecting with our teens, learning about Youth Ambassadors, and hearing directly from the young people at the heart of our work. Together, we raised $62,000 to support Kansas City youth!

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and invested in our mission. Your support helps Kansas City teens build the skills, confidence, and connections to lead, create, and thrive.

Event Highlights

• 2026 Paige O’Connor Hope, Heart, and Healing Award presented to Ambassador Ziraya Ralls.
• 2026 Tiffany Poor Lynch Founder’s Scholarship Award presented to Ambassador Heavian Brassell.
• YA alumni took the stage to share how their time at YA has shaped their journeys.
• More than 80 guests came together to celebrate our teens and raise $62,000 to support YA programming.

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.