Join us for the 5th Annual Spread the Sunshine Gala!
One Night. One Mission. A Lifetime of Impact.
The Fifth Annual Spread the Sunshine Gala
✨ Let’s Shine Together!
Saturday, October 11 | 5:30–11:00 PM | The Venue in Leawood
We’re marking a powerful milestone—and we want you there.
The 5th Annual Spread the Sunshine Gala is more than an event—it’s a night to remember those we’ve lost, lift up those we serve, and keep shining for a safer future.
✨ Moving stories
🎶 Music & dancing
🍽️ Delicious food
🎁 Auctions that make a difference
Let’s celebrate the lives we’ve touched—and the lives we’ll save.
Our Story
Offering a Raye of Hope
On July 21, 2020, our lives changed forever. Sammie—our bold, fun-loving, and sometimes ornery girl—was in a devastating car accident. She wasn’t wearing her seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. After fighting bravely for six days, Sammie passed away on July 27, just one day after her 15th birthday.
It was the most heartbreaking thing our family has ever experienced.
In those early days, we were held up by an outpouring of love and support—from family, friends, and even strangers. That kindness carried us through our darkest hours. But we quickly realized that not every family going through tragedy has a strong network behind them.
From our loss, a new purpose was born: to walk alongside others facing the unimaginable. We found healing by connecting with other families, and from that healing, Sammie’s Sunshine was created.
Our Mission
Spreading Sunshine and Saving Lives
Sammie’s Sunshine exists to bring light to families facing sudden, life-altering tragedy. We do this in two powerful ways:
💛 Raye of Hope
We offer emotional support, financial assistance, and personal connection to let families know they’re not alone during their hardest moments.
💛 Seat Belt Safety Education
We raise awareness in schools and communities about the life-saving power of wearing a seat belt—because so many losses, like Sammie’s, are preventable.
The need is real. In just the first half of 2024, 90% of traffic fatalities reported by the Kansas City Police Department involved individuals not wearing seat belts. The numbers are rising—and we’re committed to changing that.
As we prepare for the 5th Annual Spread the Sunshine Gala, we’re filled with gratitude. Every family we’ve helped, every life we’ve touched—it’s all because of your belief in this mission and Sammie’s legacy.
Because of Sammie—and because of you—we shine on.
Donate an Auction Item
Your Gift Can Make a Big Impact
Want to support Sammie’s Sunshine in a meaningful way? Consider donating an item, service, or experience to our live or silent auction. Every contribution helps us raise critical funds to support families facing tragedy and to spread awareness about seat belt safety.
Whether it’s a gift basket, tickets to an event, a weekend getaway, or something unique from your business—we’d love to include it.
Ready to help? Just fill out our quick donation form and we’ll be in touch! Thank you for helping us shine a little brighter.