Former Philadelphia Eagles safety and Super Bowl LII Champion Rodney McLeod and his wife Erika “kicked” it in Philadelphia once again for their second annual “Change Our Future Foundation” Art & Sole Sneaker Ball at the Vie by Cescaphe on July 7.
The charitable event, which Infuses fashion, food, fun, and of course sneakers, also served as a back-to-school supplies drive for this coming school year and was slated to raise funds to support local youth programs.
“We’re very excited for this year’s second annual sneaker ball gala,” said Erika McLeod. “Of course, we’re here at the Vie, so it’s a bigger venue. It’s allowing us to bring more people to hear about our mission and to support what we’re doing in the community. But we’re really excited to see everyone’s fashion, and then on top of that–tell a little bit more of what we have coming up.”
The couple mentioned that it is important for them to continue to support the people of Philadelphia. Though Rodney will be suiting up for the Indianapolis Colts, he still has roots in Philadelphia.
“It’s important for me to make sure that our foundation continues to support the community here who supported us for the past six years,” said Rodney McLeod. “Tonight we’re just looking for people to gather, connect, and build. Coming together for one cause and one mission, putting our kids first.
“Last year, we made great strides with a lot of support from the people in the community, and we’re hoping to do the same tonight. As well as to talk about how much we’ve grown in the past eight months and the programs that we have in store that are will be implemented this upcoming school year, and what to look for from “Change Our Future” moving forward. But we can’t do this without the people in this room, and it’s just a great time to get together–and hang out and have a little bit of fun,” said Rodney.
The Art & Sole Sneaker Ball was a huge success having surpassed its fundraising goal of $150,000 before the night was over. And though guests were in attendance to support a very serious cause, the event was very light-hearted and merrymaking, featuring a one-of-a-kind pop-up sneaker museum showcasing some of the rarest, classic, and exclusive sneakers donated by local boutiques.
For those who haven’t attended a Sneaker Ball the rule of engagement is to dress in your finest, black-tie gala attire and swap out your shoes for show-stopping “kicks” (sneakers).
Sounds were provided by Philadelphia’s own DJ Diamond Kuts and Master of Ceremonies by Mr. Hollywood DJ. In true sneaker ball fashion, the DJs weren’t the only source of entertainment. There was a live painter onsite, a live and silent auction, an assortment of heavy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a swanky VIP Lounge presented by “Patron and Friends,” a signature cigar lounge presented by Capelli Brothers, interactive activations, the Taste of Philadelphia experience, a 360 photo booth and luxury sneaker vendors.
Past and present Philadelphia Eagles graced the red carpet, including Darius Demetrius Slay Jr., Jason Avant, and Jalen Hurts.
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