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 Sneaker Ball Queen & King Candidates
Help us crown the 2026 Sneaker Ball King and Queen! The titles will be awarded to the advocate and initiative that raises the most funds. Every dollar donated brings them closer to the crown and supports life-changing programs at the Fort Wayne Urban League.
Show your support and help your favorite contender win this year’s Sneaker Ball King and Queen!
Costella Hamilton
Community Closet
Sneaker Ball Queen candidate Costella Hamilton is a member of the Fort Wayne Urban League (FWUL) Guild and is raising funds for the FWUL Community Closet. The Community Closet serves as a lifeline, equipping local families with essential resources—from infant car seats to fresh groceries—helping them navigate unexpected challenges and bridging the gap from one paycheck to the next. By donating to Costella’s campaign today, you directly fund emergency assistance for neighbors in need while helping her bring home the crown at the annual Equality for All Sneaker Ball!
After School with the Urban League
Nikki Miles
Sneaker Ball queen candidate and local business owner, Kanetha "Nikki" Miles, is raising funds for After School with the Fort Wayne Urban League. This vital program provides local youth with academic support, mentorship, nutritious dinners, activities, and more, creating a safe space for kids to thrive beyond the classroom. By donating to Nikki's campaign, you directly empower our youth with the tools to succeed while helping her capture the crown at our annual Equality for All Sneaker Ball!
Youth Empowerment with Arthur Agee
Michael Hayes
As a passionate community leader and dedicated advocate, Michael Hayes is competing for Sneaker Ball King and raising funds to bring Arthur Agee, star of the iconic documentary Hoop Dreams, to the Fort Wayne Urban League. This special empowerment session will give local youth the rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the grit, resilience, and mindset needed to learn from mistakes and overcome life's obstacles. By supporting Michael's campaign, you directly fund this transformative experience for our youth while helping him take home the crown at the Equality for All Sneaker Ball!
Books for Dunks
Shaquan Walker
Sneaker Ball King candidate Shaquan Walker is a dedicated Fort Wayne Urban League board member and is raising funds for our Books for Dunks program. This literacy program motivates and equips young readers by rewarding them with fresh Nike Dunks when they achieve key reading milestones. By making a gift to Shaquan’s campaign today, you directly inspire local youth to build confidence through reading while helping him earn the crown at our annual Equality for All Sneaker Ball!
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!
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