Our annual gala event, the High Aspirations Annual Mentors Challenge Banquet, will be held this year on Friday, November 20, 2020. The evening is sure to be a phenomenal gathering of Kansas City’s business and civic leaders.

Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, former NFL running back of the Detroit Lions, will be our keynote speaker at this year’s 10th annual Mentors Challenge.  The Honoree for the Robert B. Rodger Legacy Award will be Mark Brandmeyer, owner of the Kansas City T-Bones professional baseball team.

The list of prior Mentors Challenge co-chairs, honorary co-chairs, co-champions and sponsors include the late Henry W. Bloch; William H. Dunn, Sr.; Marianne & Bill Dunn, Jr.; the Honorable Brian and Michelle Wimes; Gayle and Bruce Krigel; Anita and Gary Maltbia; Dana & Doug Nelson; Karen Daniel; Tammy Edwards; Margaret and Marlin Fiola; Rico Tejeda; Thomas Bloch; and Barnett Helzberg.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Your generous sponsorship will allow us to seat one of our mentees and his parent at each table, so that you are able to learn first-hand, about our program and its impact on our youth and families!  –Thank you

This occasion is an opportunity for you to recognize a mentor to whom you owe part of your success – that special someone who took the time to make a positive difference in your life.  At the same time you can help a young man receive the guidance he needs to grow into a healthy, self-sufficient adult.

$25,000

High Aspirations, Gold Presenting Sponsor

  • Premier seating for 16 guests at 2 tables
  • Recognition as Presenting Sponsor from the podium, on event signage and in program book
  • Two-page tribute ad to recognize your mentor
  • Patron party  8 guests—Invitation to follow
  • 8 Valet Parking Passes

$10,000

High Standards, Silver Sponsor

  • Premier seating for 8 guests
  • Recognition from the podium, on event signage and in program book
  • Full-page tribute ad to honor your mentor
  • Patron party 4 guests—Invitation to follow
  • 4 Valet Parking Passes

$5,000

Fundamentals, Bronze Sponsor

  • Premium seating for 8 guests
  • Recognition on event signage and in program book
  • One-half page tribute ad to honor your mentor
  • Patron party on 4 guests—Invitation to follow
  • 4 Valet Parking Passes

$2,500

Observation, Sponsor

  • Table host seating for 8 guests
  • Recognition on event signage and in program book
  • One-fourth page tribute ad to honor your mentor
  • Patron party for 2 guests—Invitation to follow
  • 1 Valet Parking Pass

$1,000

Patron Couple Sponsor

  • Patron seating for 2 guests
  • Recognition on event signage and in program book
  • One-fourth page tribute ad to honor your mentor
  • Patron party 2 guests—Invitation to follow
  • 1 Valet Parking Pass

$250

Individual ticket

  • Seating for one guest
  • One line tribute listing to honor your mentor and / or our honorees

Amounts in excess of $75 per person are tax deductible as allowed by law.