On Sunday afternoon, the arena buzzed with excitement as fans gathered for the Wichita Thunder game — but for EmberHope, the day meant something even more meaningful.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy felt warm and welcoming. Fans filtered in, Thunder Dog danced along the concourse, and at our booth, meaningful conversations were already underway. Families stopped to ask thoughtful questions about fostering. Supporters wanted to know how to donate. Staff represented EmberHope with both professionalism and heart.
As Associate Director of Development Shannon Reed shared, “It didn’t feel like just another event. It felt like our community truly showing up for kids and families in care.”
A Moment on the Ice
The afternoon’s most powerful moment came before the first faceoff.
Autumn Huerter, EmberHope’s Marketing Director — and a former foster youth — stepped onto the ice to drop the puck alongside one of our foster families.
“When we went out on the ice together, I was thinking how much fun it was — and how awesome it was to have one of our families out representing EmberHope with us,” Huerter shared. “Our foster families are truly the core of our work. They open not just their hearts, but also their homes.”
Meeting Jody, the foster dad, and witnessing his love for the children in his care was infectious. Under the bright arena lights, in front of a cheering crowd, that family represented the heart of child welfare: ordinary people doing extraordinary things for kids.
The children were wide-eyed and energized — thrilled to be so close to the players, who seemed larger than life in their skates. Thunder Dog added to the excitement, playful and engaging as only a mascot can be.
For Reed, the moment was deeply moving. “In that moment, the lights, the crowd, and the energy of the arena all centered on a family that represents the heart of what we do.”
More Than a Game
Child welfare work can sometimes be heavy. It’s complex, emotional, and often unseen.
But on this afternoon, foster families, staff, supporters, and community members gathered under one roof — the same community where our youth attend school, go to work, and build friendships.
“As a former foster youth, it feels so good to see the community supporting our kids and our families,” Huerter reflected. “People were stopping by the booth to learn more. But above all else, they were seeing our families and our employees for exactly what they are: just normal people doing normal things.”
Community engagement events like this matter because they bring EmberHope into spaces where the broader community is already gathered. They create natural entry points for involvement — whether that’s volunteering, fostering, donating, or simply starting a conversation.
As Reed put it, “Events like this turn visibility into trust, and trust into long-term support.”
The Power of Partnership
This afternoon would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Flint Rock Construction.
Corporate partnerships like this amplify our mission beyond our own reach. Their sponsorship and donation of staff tickets provided both tangible support and visible endorsement of the work happening at EmberHope. When local businesses invest in children and families in care, it sends a clear message: our community stands united in supporting kids.
To those considering partnership, Reed offers a simple but powerful reminder:
“You have the opportunity to change a child’s story. Your support becomes therapy sessions, school supplies, safe homes, mentorship, and moments of normalcy for kids who have experienced so much uncertainty.”
A Softer Perspective
If someone in the stands had never heard of EmberHope before that day, we hope they walked away with a softer perspective on child welfare.
We hope they saw families filled with love.
We hope they saw children who matter.
We hope they felt inspired to get involved.
And most of all, we hope they understood this: every child deserves a community that shows up.
EmberHope Night didn’t just fill an arena. It refilled our hearts — and strengthened our resolve to keep showing up for children and families who deserve stability, hope, and a future filled with possibility.
Ready to Get Involved?
EmberHope Night was a powerful reminder that this mission belongs to all of us.
Whether you feel called to volunteer your time, make a financial gift, sponsor an event, or explore becoming a foster or adoptive parent, there are so many meaningful ways to step into the story. Every act of support — big or small — helps create stability, healing, and hope for children and families in care.
Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved and become part of the circle of adults showing up consistently for kids who need it most.
