On September 12th, hundreds of EmberHope staff members, foster families, donors, community partners and supporters came together at Riverfront Stadium for a memorable EmberHope Night with the Wichita Wind Surge.
The evening offered families an opportunity to step away from their everyday routines, enjoy a night at the ballpark and spend time with others connected to the EmberHope community. From cheering in the stands to sharing smiles, food and fellowship, the night was filled with moments of connection and fun for guests of all ages.
EmberHope Foundation President Marty Kramer helped begin the festivities by stepping onto the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
“It was an honor to represent EmberHope,” Marty shared. “Besides being very nervous, it was an experience of a lifetime and one thing to cross off my bucket list. To be able to represent such an amazing organization was truly a gift for me.”
For Marty, one of the most meaningful parts of the evening was seeing so many people who care about EmberHope’s mission gathered in one place.
“To see EmberHope and our families represented was very emotional,” he said. “As a Foundation, our goal is to let people know about the amazing work we are doing and how we would like folks to come along beside us in serving children and families. This was an amazing opportunity to let people know who we are, what we do, and why we do it.”
Although the evening was filled with baseball and fun, it also reflected something central to EmberHope’s work: the importance of connection and belonging. Bringing foster families, employees, donors and community supporters together created an opportunity to celebrate the people who make this mission possible—and to remind one another that no family, caregiver or child should have to walk alone.
“We cannot do this work alone,” Marty said. “Serving the children and families in Sedgwick County is a team effort, and we need this community to come together in serving.”
EmberHope Night was made possible through the generous support of Ribbit Computers, Conrade Insurance, and IdeaTek. Their partnership helped create a special experience for foster families, staff members and their loved ones while also providing an opportunity to share EmberHope’s mission with the wider Wichita community.
To the sponsors, donors, volunteers and community partners who continue to walk alongside EmberHope, Marty offered a heartfelt message:
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! Without the support of our friends, we are not able to make connections and serve as needed. It truly is a team effort, and without the financial support, volunteering and voices in the community, we are not able to serve at the capacity that is needed.”
More than a night at the ballpark, EmberHope Night was an opportunity to tell our story, strengthen relationships and invite others to become part of the work ahead. It was also a reminder that when a community comes together around children and families, hope grows stronger.
“We have to be a voice for our children and families,” Marty said. “We have to do better. We are asking the community to please come together and serve as needed. This task is not easy, and to those walking beside us, thank you!”
Thank you to the Wichita Wind Surge, our generous sponsors and every staff member, foster family, donor and supporter who joined us. Together, we created a joyful evening of baseball and belonging—and demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with hope.
Help Make More Moments Possible
Nights like this create opportunities for foster families to experience joy, connection and a sense of belonging, but the impact of your generosity extends far beyond the ballpark. When you donate to the EmberHope Foundation, you help make meaningful experiences like EmberHope Night possible while supporting the programs and services that bring hope, stability and healing to children and families across Kansas.
Make a gift today and help create even more moments of hope for the families we serve.
