On a perfect fall evening, more than 800 EmberHope staff, foster and adoptive families, and community partners filled the stands at Riverfront Stadium for an unforgettable night with the Wichita Wind Surge. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Healthy Blue, tickets were provided at no cost, allowing our extended EmberHope family to come together for a true celebration of community, connection, and purpose.
For Talent Acquisition Manager Stephanie Glazier, the atmosphere was electric. “My favorite part about going to the baseball game on Saturday night was definitely the energy in the stadium. The crowd was electric, the weather was perfect, and it was just so fun to cheer alongside everyone. Plus, it was a huge bonus to see of the EmberHope crew!”
The night also reminded her of the importance of connection outside the workplace. “Being at the baseball game surrounded by so many coworkers and family members was a special experience,” Glazier recalled. “There was this great energy in the air—seeing familiar faces and just enjoying the game together made it feel more like a celebration than just an outing. I’m incredibly grateful that we all got tickets and had the chance to be there as a group.”
From an HR perspective, Glazier also emphasized how much these moments matter. “As a Talent Acquisition Manager, I’ve seen firsthand how shared experiences outside of the office—like attending a baseball game—can significantly boost morale. Spending time with both my family and coworkers in a relaxed, fun environment helped strengthen relationships, build trust, and remind us all of the importance of balance.”
Behind the scenes, Associate Director of Development Shannon Reed helped bring the vision to life. “Coordinating with the Wind Surge was a very collaborative and smooth process. J.T. Barnes and his team were incredibly responsive and professional, which made the planning much easier. They understood the mission behind our nonprofit night and helped us create an evening that would be meaningful for both our staff and the community.”
Healthy Blue made the event possible by stepping in as the lead sponsor. “It means everything to have their support! Having a partner like Healthy Blue reinforces that we’re not alone in this work. Their support not only helps us with funding but also validates the efforts of our staff,” Reed stated. “It’s a huge morale booster and shows that the community values the difficult and important work they do every day.”
The night was full of memorable moments, including EmberHope President and CEO Nickaila Sandate throwing out the first pitch. “The moment that really stood out was seeing Nickaila Sandate, our CEO and President, throw out the first pitch. It was such a powerful and symbolic gesture—having the leader of EmberHope step onto the field in front of our staff, community members, and supporters truly set the tone for the night.”
From the electric atmosphere to the meaningful partnerships, the event was a resounding success. “Our staff and foster families felt seen, appreciated, and celebrated, which is so important in this line of work,” Reed reflected. “Financially, we raised valuable funds through the raffle and sponsorship that will go directly toward supporting our programs. It was a win all around.”
Thank you to Healthy Blue for making this event possible. Your partnership allowed EmberHope to provide our staff, foster and adoptive families, and community partners with a night of joy while also raising awareness for the children and families we serve.
Want to be part of moments like this? Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events or connect with our foundation to explore ways you can partner with us to stand in the gap for foster youth.
