The energy at the Steps to Success: Youth Shoe Giveaway was incredible, bringing back that childhood thrill of trying on new shoes and racing down the aisle just to show how much faster the new shoes made you run. On Wednesday, March 26, Hy-Vee Arena buzzed with excitement as youth athletes, operation breakthrough participants and students gathered for an unforgettable evening.
Organized by Uniform to Unity, the event aimed to uplift youth from military-connected families and those navigating challenging situations.
“We found out that some kids in the community couldn't really interact with sports because they couldn't afford some of the things that they needed,” Jarrod Peterson, Found of Uniform to Unity shared. “One of those things being shoes. So, we figured, why not find some shoes for these kids, get them play outside, get them something to smile about.”
It was about more than just shoes; it was a chance to foster connections, boost confidence, and celebrate the spirit of community. Attendees spent the evening learning the meaning of community while emphasizing mentorship, leadership, and positive role modeling. As kids laced up their new sneakers, they felt the encouragement and support from everyone around them.
Players like Zorhan Bassong, Jack Kortkamp, Stephen Afrifa, Kwaku Agyabeng, and Justin Reynolds were on hand, personally distributing shoes and engaging with the attendees. There was even a comical moment when some of the shoe sizes got mixed up between youth and adult sizes. The players quickly sorted through the mix-up, and the ensuring confusion turned into laughter, creating a light-hearted atmosphere that everyone enjoyed.
Bassong took a moment to thank everyone involved in putting on the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the community. His heartfelt words set a positive tone for the evening. After the shoes were given out, the real fun began. The kids were eager to play with the players, and laughter filled the air as they engaged in games and activities. With face painting, goodie bags and a live DJ, the energy was palpable.
You could hear the happiness as the kids sang and danced along to the music. As K-pop Demon Hunter’s Golden came on, the room filled with voices singing. “We're going up, up, up, it's our moment. You know together we're glowing'. Gonna be, gonna be golden.” Unintentionally providing the perfect soundtrack for the evening.
The Steps to Success event was a true celebration of hope and unity. The excitement of the evening left a lasting impression on all who joined.