Last week, on Thursday, April 9th, something truly special unfolded at Topgolf Wichita.
Driving Fore Change was more than a fundraiser. It was a powerful reflection of what can happen when organizations, sponsors, and a community come together around a shared purpose: supporting children and families impacted by foster care.
From the very beginning, this event was rooted in collaboration. Rather than hosting separate efforts, joining together felt like the best route to take. This event was only possible with the combined efforts of CASA of Sedgwick County and Gathered. Each organization brought its own strengths, relationships, and perspective. Together, we created something larger than any one organization could accomplish alone.
“EmberHope really values collaboration, and we’ve built strong relationships with CASA of Sedgwick County and Gathered over time,” said Erica Whitney, Associate Director of Development at EmberHope. Whitney was also one of the key driving forces behind the event, taking on the role of team lead and event planning. “We saw this as an opportunity to show our community what it looks like when nonprofits come together with a shared mission to support foster children and vulnerable families.”
Stronger Together
At the heart of Driving Fore Change was a shared commitment to the same mission: serving the vulnerable youth and families in Sedgwick County.
“It was incredibly powerful,” Whitney recalled. “There was such a shared passion for caring for children and families, and it was a reminder that we’re not doing this work alone.”
That sense of unity was present long before the first guest arrived. The event took more than seven months of planning and required teams to step into new roles and responsibilities.
“In my role, I typically focus on fundraising, so taking on event planning, coordinating logistics, delegating tasks, and managing communication with Topgolf was new for me,” Whitney explained. “It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but it was also a really rewarding experience.”
A Day Filled with Energy and Purpose
When the day arrived, all that hard work and preparation truly paid off.
“The energy was amazing,” Whitney shared. “Everyone was in great spirits, and it was so fun to walk around and see people enjoying themselves. It was a perfect day for golf. There were great conversations, great food, and a lot of friendly competition.”
Participants connected, competed, and showed up in support of something bigger than themselves.
Adding to the excitement was special guest Ron Baker, a former Wichita State University basketball standout who went on to play for the New York Nicks.
“As a big Shocker fan, I was especially excited to have Ron Baker join us,” Whitney said. “It was fun seeing his name on the leaderboard, and I think it added an extra level of excitement and friendly competition.”
Baker’s presence brought energy to the event, but more importantly, it reflected a shared commitment to the mission.
The Power of Generosity
Driving Fore Change was only made possible through strong community support, for which our organizations are deeply grateful.
“We had 19 sponsors, and their support truly made this event possible,” Whitney reflected. “Their investment allowed us to host the tournament at Topgolf and create a great experience for everyone involved.”
However, donors and sponsors need to know that their support extends far beyond a single day or event.
“Their generosity directly impacts our ability to recruit and license foster families, provide safe placements for children, ensure access to mental health and substance use services, and supply essential items like hygiene products,” Whitney added.
The generosity of attendees was prevalent before the event, but also during.
“One moment that really stood out to me was when many of our sponsors chose to donate their winnings back,” Whitney shared. “That wasn’t something we required them to do, which made it even more meaningful.”
Real Impact, Shared Mission
The true impact of Driving Fore Change goes far beyond the day itself, creating lasting support for children and families across our community.
“We raised over $30,000, which will be evenly split between CASA, Gathered, and EmberHope,” Whitney said. “Those funds will go directly toward supporting children and families, from safe placements to critical services and everyday needs.”
Events like Driving Fore Change only happen because of people who are willing to step up and work together. This was not something EmberHope could have accomplished alone, and we could not be more grateful for the incredible teams at both CASA of Sedgwick County and Gathered for bringing their time, expertise, and passion to the table.
“This event took over seven months to plan, and it truly was a team effort,” Whitney said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s hard work and collaboration.”
From the teams at all three organizations to the sponsors, volunteers, and staff at Topgolf, every detail reflected a shared commitment to making a difference.
Looking Ahead
For those who participated, and for those hearing about Driving Fore Change for the first time, the message is simple: “I would want people to know that their support truly matters,” Whitney shared. “Whether it’s attending, sponsoring, or partnering, it goes far beyond just a golf tournament. The funds raised have a real and lasting impact on children and families who need it most.”
Driving Fore Change was about more than a day at Topgolf. It was about partnership, purpose, and the power of a community coming together to create lasting change.
You don’t have to wait for our next Driving Fore Change event to make a difference in your community! There are so many ways to get involved right now, whether that’s volunteering your time, becoming a foster parent, donating, or sponsoring one of our upcoming events.
Will you be the one?
