By Madison Duddy

THE PARTY Change Our Future, a local nonprofit empowering youth through education, advocacy and development programs, hosted its inaugural Art & Sole: Sneaker Ball Toy Drive at the Arts Ballroom on Dec. 6. During the gala, guests explored a pop-up sneaker museum, featuring rare and exclusive shoes donated by local boutiques, like the Jordan Retro 1. While DJ Aktive spun tracks, attendees savored tasty bites and sips from Philly chefs and tastemakers, including Nothing But Cheesecakes and FoodChasers’ Kitchen.
THE GUESTS Founders Erika McLeod and Super Bowl LII champion Rodney McLeod Jr. presented 2021 Game Changer awards to locals making pivotal impacts in their community, like Fox 29’s Alex Holley. Afterward, Philadelphia mayoral representative Sheila Hess thanked the founders for their work in the community.
THE PINNACLE The event not only raised over $200,000 for the organization but welcomed everyone to bring sneakers for donation to places like Families Forward Philadelphia.