EQUALITY FOR ALL SNEAKER BALL
Saturday, September 12, 2026
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Parkview Mirro Event and Conference Center
10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne
Presented by:
Get ready to step into the most electrifying event of the year! Join us at the 3nd Annual Equality for All Sneaker Ball, where formal attire meets fabulous sneakers. This is not your average gala; it’s a celebration where style and philanthropy collide to make a difference in our community!
Lace up for change to make a lasting difference, one step at a time!
What to Expect
Glamour
Dress to impress in your dazzling formal attire while showcasing your favorite pair of sneakers. Let your style shine, whether you’re rocking classic kicks or flashy sneakers!
Delicious Dining
Savor a gourmet plated chicken dinner prepared by Parkview Chefs! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Entertainment
Enjoy a cash bar, capture memories in the photo booth, admire hand-painted sneakers from local black artists, and dance the night away as DJ Krazy K keeps the energy high!
Inspiration
Learn about the impactful work of the Fort Wayne Urban League and how your contribution helps empower communities, promote equality, and foster economic self-reliance!
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
The Fort Wayne Urban League Sneaker Ball is returning for its third year, and we are preparing for another amazing night of high-end style, fresh kicks, and big community impact.
We want you in the room for another sold-out year! Your sponsorship not only supports the event but, more importantly, drives investment in change that enables us to continue our vital work of helping African Americans and others secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights.
Join us as we lace up for change and make a lasting difference, one step at a time!
Pay online:
Pay by check:
Fort Wayne Urban League
2135 S. Hanna St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Questions about sponsoring the event? Contact Aisha Arrington at
260-745-3100 or aarrington@fwurbanleague.org
A special thank you to our 2026 event sponsors!
Custom Sneaker Design Showcase & Competition
We invite local artists to participate in our hand-painted sneaker competition at our annual Equality for All Sneaker Ball.
As a centerpiece of our sponsor appreciation, our top-tier event sponsors receive a pair of custom, hand-painted Nike Air Force 1s created by local talent. We are looking for artists who can creatively blend the mission of the Fort Wayne Urban League with our sponsors’ brand identity to tell a powerful story of community and equity.
$300 artist compensation paid as a $150 initial retainer upon selection and $150 upon delivery of completed shoes.
We supply a brand-new pair of white Nike Air Force 1s in the size requested by the sponsor.
Selected artists receive a complimentary ticket to attend the Equality for All Sneaker Ball on Saturday, September 12.
Your painted sneakers will be showcased at the event, where guests will vote on their favorite pair. The winning artist will be crowned our 2026 “Sneaker Head”!
Following the event, your artwork will be gifted for long-term display in the offices of our top-tier sponsors.
Artist Benefits & Compensation
Application and sketch deadline: August 10
Artist selection notification: August 12
Artist pick-up sneakers from the FWUL office: August 17 or after
Final completed sneakers due: August 31
Equality for All Sneaker Ball & Sneaker Showcase: September 12
Project Timeline
How to apply for consideration:
Download/print the sneaker template.
Create your concept. Complete a concept (hand-drawn or digital) on the sneaker template that showcases your capabilities, style, and design vision.
Submit the Sneaker Artist Application Form. Fill out your details and upload your sneaker design by August 10.
Sneaker Artist Application Form
Fort Wayne Urban League Board of Directors
Molly Cain, Parkview Health
Dawn Clopton, WesBanco
H. Joseph Cohen, Barrett McNagny
Tracy Davis, Ivy Tech
Lisa D. Givan, Indiana Tech
Catherine Hill, PNC Bank
Merri Lanier, FWUL Guild President
Dave McComb, McComb Foundation
Renee Morrison, Dupont Hospital
Rosalina Perez, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
John Rogers, The Rogers Company
Tim Smith, Frontier Communications
Rachel Tobin-Smith, AVOW, Inc.
Shaquan Walker, City of Fort Wayne Mayors Office
Irene Walters, Community Leader