Kicking for a cause: 16th Annual Kickball for the Kids raises over $135K
What a day! The 16th annual Kickball for the Kids, presented by PepsiCo, brought together teams, families, friends, coworkers, volunteers, and even a few four-legged fans for a day of friendly competition and fun at Memorial Park.
From the first pitch to the final out, there was no shortage of energy on the fields. Teams battled it out, sideline cheering sections showed up strong, and our community came together for something bigger than a kickball tournament: supporting children and youth in crisis.
Together, we raised over $135,000
Every dollar helps EverHope provide a safe haven for children and youth throughout Arkansas and support them as they move from crisis toward stability and adulthood.
That's what makes this day so special. It's not just about who wins the tournament. It's about what happens when our community comes together and puts some fun behind a really important cause.
Of course, we can't have a kickball tournament without a little friendly competition!
A big congratulations to this year's winners
Tournament winner: Walmart’s Merchants of Mayhem
Top Fundraising Team: Ozark Primary Care Plus’s Medically Cleared
Spirit Award Winner: Miller Zell
Whether teams came ready to take home the trophy, showed up in the best costumes, or simply came ready to have a good time with their coworkers and friends, every team helped make the day a success.
There was plenty happening beyond the kickball fields, too
Players stopped by our Wellness Village to connect with community vendors, grabbed a treat from the Sophia Scott Expanding Horizons Lemonade Stand, cheered on their favorite teams, and enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Memorial Park.
We especially loved seeing so many people bring along their families, friends, coworkers, and even their dogs to join in the fun. Kickball for the Kids truly is a community event, and this year was a great reminder of just how many people are willing to show up for EverHope.
At the heart of Kickball for the Kids is a simple belief: every child deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.
Since 1993, EverHope has provided a safe haven for children and youth throughout Arkansas. Today, our work reaches beyond emergency shelter, supporting children and youth throughout their journey from crisis through stability and adulthood.
Through programs including our emergency shelter, Horizon Academy, foster care licensing and support, Everhope School Project, and Path to Adulthood, we provide care, education, support, and opportunities designed to meet children and youth where they are and help them move forward.
The support raised through Kickball for the Kids helps make that work possible. Thank you for showing up!
A special thank-you to PepsiCo, our presenting sponsor, and to all of our sponsors, teams, volunteers, vendors, and community partners who helped make this year's tournament possible. And to everyone who came out to play, cheer, fundraise, volunteer, bring your family, or simply spend the day with us: thank you.
Thank you for showing up for EverHope, for making Kickball for the Kids so much fun, and most importantly, for showing up for the children and youth we serve.
We'll see you on the field in 2027!